Lizzie Lowe - Crossing Borders

Lizzie Lowe created a bespoke menswear collection in collaboration with Stewart Christie to fulfil her final course work at the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace. Her exquisite sense of detailing is clearly seen throughout the stunning collaborative piece.

Crossing Borders is a bespoke menswear collection. It is designed for evening wear and includes a three-piece embroidery suit, loafers, a collection of socks, ties, cufflinks and tie bars.

The backdrop to my luxury embellishment is the MacNeilltartan -which represents my own Scottish Heritage worn by members of my mother’s side of the family, when they crossed the borders to live in England.

I have used the inherent design within the tartan as an artistic map to allow the coordinating and strategic placement of the contemporary embellishment on the historical tartan, enhanced using luxurious contrasting velvet.

The primary technique showcased through this collection is Goldwork embroidery. I have taken some of its traditional stitches and used these in a contemporary way to embellish the tartan of the suit. Whilst the basic stitches of this technique are relatively simple- the use of specific wire combinations makes the embroidery very detailed and intricate.

Sometimes, I have been ridged with my embroidery techniques - keeping within the boundaries formed by the tartan weave but sometimes I have also consciously pushed towards and then cut across these boundaries. Cutting across the natural borders of the fabric is an artistic reflection of the determination required for my family to move from the familiarity of their home in Scotland and their innate willingness to explore new ideas .

Across this collection are also the underlying military themes around exploring new lands with purpose - with the use of gold castle designs in precise soldier like formation down the side of the trouser leg, the regimental familiarity of the badge design on the jacket pocket and the embroidered velvet buttons reminiscent of those found on ceremonial tunic sleeves.

All parts complement each other in terms of material, design and colours and together provide a bespoke, luxurious look within an exclusive and unique high-end quality menswear collection.