The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)

FANTASY FLORALS

From the bud of an idea just a few years ago, fashion label From My Mother’s Garden is now in full bloom, says Jacqueline Wake Young

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Inspiratio­n can strike at any time and for Penny Callaghan it was while looking at photograph­s of her mum’s garden in Dorset. Penny’s collection of limited edition clothing and accessorie­s, using prints based on flowers and plants in the garden, launched at the beginning of the pandemic and has continued to grow ever since. The prints are digitally printed on to different fabrics using sustainabl­e techniques to create “wearable art”.

The range started with luxury reversible velvet kimonos, lightweigh­t kimonos and long robes and has since expanded to include dresses, tulle skirts, trousers, tops and accessorie­s.

Penny uses environmen­tally-responsibl­e fabrics such as viscose, bamboo, linen and recycled polyester wherever possible.

A technique called ‘sublimatio­n printing’ is used which minimises wastage and only prints the fabric required.

Penny’s first designs were entitled Harmony, Radiance, Connection and Reflection which, she says, “captures the vibrant colours and magical beauty of an English garden”.

Her mother, Mary, who is nearly 90, came up with the names to denote how she feels when she is in her garden.

Penny explains: “My idea originally came from my mother asking my partner Alistair and me to take photos of her small but very beautiful garden.

“She derives such joy from it and so we wanted to capture some of its beauty.

“When I saw the images, I immediatel­y thought that they could look stunning on fabric because of the colours and so started the idea for the collection.

“I did a BA Hons Creative Arts degree at university so I have been dreaming of doing a project like this since then.

“For me, it’s about cherishing an item of clothing and valuing it as a work of art in its own right. It fits the ethos of my boutique, where we actively promote slow fashion.”

This week Penny told your life she had special cause for celebratio­n after being named British Brand of The Year at a fashion industry awards event held at The Mayfair Hotel in London.

Looks like everything’s coming up roses for From My Mother’s Garden.

 ?? ??
 ?? ?? Pink peonie bamboo scarf, £30.
Dreamy peonies midlength kimono, £99.
Pink peonie bamboo scarf, £30. Dreamy peonies midlength kimono, £99.
 ?? ?? Jewel hydrangea crossbody bag, £59.
Jewel hydrangea crossbody bag, £59.
 ?? ?? Wishes crossbody canvas bag, £65.
Wishes crossbody canvas bag, £65.
 ?? ?? Jewel hydrangea tulle skirt, £79.
Jewel hydrangea tulle skirt, £79.
 ?? ?? Harmony pyjama set, £59.
Harmony pyjama set, £59.
 ?? ?? Deep as Dahlias mesh top, £65.
Deep as Dahlias mesh top, £65.
 ?? ?? Petals tulle dress, £139.
Petals tulle dress, £139.
 ?? ?? Petals velvet stole, £69.
Petals velvet stole, £69.
 ?? ?? Jewel hydrangea duster coat, £169; berry red velvet trousers, £109. All items featured here From My Mother’s Garden.
Jewel hydrangea duster coat, £169; berry red velvet trousers, £109. All items featured here From My Mother’s Garden.

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