Two years ago I sponsored a project at Newport University's fashion department entitled 'Frocks from Rocks', with the hope of seeing how the mineral images could be used to create striking dresses. The latest student to explore the possibilities, Sophie Shardelow, graduated in June this year with a collection based on the theme of 'alchemy'. Inspired by the alchemists' dream of the transmutation of base metals into gold she created a series of 'looks' that began with a combination of knitwear and suede calculated to evoke the feeling of lead and culminated with a golden silk evening dress. To represent the process of transmutation she chose an image from Tiger's Eye to make the garments picture above - a stretch body suits made of printed lycra, a silk backless all-in-one, and a Grecian-style draped dress. Sophie is now working with me developing more ideas, so watch this space for developments!
