Sunday Times

Acclaimed interiors photograph­er Elsa Young launches her new brand of textile accessorie­s

- Roberta Thatcher

Photograph­er Elsa Young has long dreamt of applying her work to a range of scarves and textiles. Her vision has come to life with the launch of Huckhl, a collection of luxury cashmere and silk scarves and cotton dish towels featuring some of her favourite photograph­s from over the years.

From photograph­er to producer of scarves and dish towels. How did this venture come about? I love imagery and fabrics, and have always worn scarves, wraps and odd bits of cloth around my neck. So Huckhl is a combinatio­n of my passions.

What’s behind the name?

Fun and adventure. It sounded and felt so right.

Your photos appear on the textiles in a highly stylised form. Tell us about your design process I’m usually drawn to a photo because of its colour. I create patterns and other colours within the image until I’m satisfied with the result. That said, there is no method. I work from the heart.

Have you produced new photos for Huckhl? All the images have been hoarded in a “favourites” folder for years.

How do you decide which images will best translate to textiles?

It’s always the graphic quality of the image. I don’t want to just have a gradation of colour or a repeat pattern. There’s a story within the image, and the fabric brings this to life.

What materials do you use, and why?

I prefer natural fabrics, so silk and cashmere were my choice for the scarves. Cotton is for the dish towels. It washes and wears well.

What’s it like seeing your art transforme­d into a tangible product?

It’s been a fun ride so far. My photograph­y always takes priority, but all my travelling for assignment­s has allowed me the space to create these pieces.

What do you want people to feel when they bring home one of your products?

Like they are wrapping themselves in something luxurious, created with passion.

What’s your favourite way to wear a scarf?

I like my scarves to look abundant and their size works well for this effect. I take the scarf by one corner and wrap once around my neck. huckhl.com

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