DESIGNER WATCH | LOUISE GRAY

Humour, fun, individuality, bright colour and focal embroidery are just some of things that come to mind in reference to the design aesthetic of fashion designer, Louise Gray.

Gray studied at The Glasgow School of Art followed by Central Saint Martins College where she graduated with an MA.

After graduation she was selected by Fashion East, where she showed for three seasons.

Gray’s design signature is bright hued garments, with experimental tactile texture all characterised by a sense of clever wit.

The designer’s strengths are textile customisation and redefining seldom used, traditional, embroidery methods in refreshingly modern designs.

For Spring / Summer 2011, she presented her first standalone catwalk show. It was a collection of patch-worked and embroidered knee length wrap dresses worn over bright bloomers, silk print separates, garments with decorated with fringed strips of fabric, asymmetric wrap patch-worked skirts, tapered peg pants with calf tie fastening, separates (sometimes sheer and gauzy) emblazoned in neon coloured badges and knotted fabrics. The accessories included a Mohican type, fringed, ragamuffin headpieces and bright rubber ankle strap heels by Nicholas Kirkword.

The wrap details seemingly took inspiration from native tribal dress worn wrapped around the body.

With her ability to pair reworked tactile textures, explorative prints and the element of fun, Louise Gray definitely one to watch.

- Marian Kihogo

Images courtesy of Louise Gray.