Head in the Clouds...
Yorkshire Pearl bangle worn by designer Lira Leirner at London Fashion Week
During my first London Fashion Week last month, I discovered the exquisite designs of Yorkshire Pearl, by Yorkshire designer Robert Clayton. Many a wrist adorned one, two or even three Yorkshire Pearl flamboyant bangles, enchantingly drawing the attention of blogger, journalist and fashionista. I was desperate to know more and maybe even procure a Yorkshire Pearl bangle for myself. Which is how I found myself standing in Robert Clayton’s Waterloo studio, dazzled by a room full of pretty vintage buttons, delicate feathers, sparkling stones, walls decorated with vintage fashion illustrations and of course a collection of beautiful Yorkshire Pearl bangles.
The designer himself, Bert Clayton.
Before my friend and I step into the studio, Bert asks us if either of us have a fear of dogs. We both do, but neither of us want to disclose this(I mean, we’re both adult women and surely a fear of dogs at our age is embarrassing), so we enthuse “no, of course not.” Fortunately for us, the dog is small, probably just a puppy and rather pretty as dogs go. Bert is minding the pup for his friend, the well renowned fashion blogger, Clothes Whisperer, while she is at Paris Fashion Week. I’m continuously surprised by how everyone in the fashion world in London seem to know one another.
This pup stood alert and ready as soon as soon as my camera was revealed, so of course I had to take a picture.
Bert invites us to view his creations and is incredibly gracious as we ooh and aah at the gorgeous wrist art. In a glass display case sits a collection of completed bangles, which Bert tells us, have been commissioned by Guts for Garters, which launched last week. He speaks animatedly about his love for fashion and design and his disdain for commercialism and fame. But it shouldn’t be long before his designs are being coveted by all in the world. In fact, Vogue have listed him as one of the top ten designers to watch in 2011.
Yorkshire Pearl bangles commissioned for Guts for Garters
Each Yorkshire Pearl bangle is unique and made up of vintage, retro and recycled finds; buttons, discarded jewellery, feathers and more and is hand crafted by Bert himself. You can even have a Yorkshire Pearl bangle created from your very own treasures and trinkets. But, the designer tells me he’s currently working on his ready to wear clothes collection and that his beautiful bracelets will not be in production forever. He is obviously a man of the moment allowing his creativity to paint the path of his artistic journey, rather than money or prestige.
Yorkshire Pearl feather bangle created for the Ashish LFW SS11 catwalk
To own your very own Yorkshire Pearl bangle by Robert Clayton, contact the designer here or to find out more, visit the Yorkshire Pearl website. Yorkshire Pearl bracelets are also available at Guts for Garters in Camden.
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