A Mood board containing images which Sarah Burton was inspired by for the S/S 2017 collection on the Shetland Islands, Scotland.
fiddlesticksknitting.com www.alexandermcqueen.com
This is an image of Shetland Gossamer Lace, which Sarah has used throughout her S/S 2017 collection (as seen in the image above). I have chosen to review this image and material as Sarah uses it a lot throughout the collection. As it is a native fabric from the Shetland Island, I only found it fitting to explore it.
The Shetland lace fits her collection design’s very well; it enhances the gothic, punk theme whilst mixing with the traditional Shetland Island influences. In the collection, Sarah uses the Shetland lace as the base to her indiginous flora and fauna embellishments, creating a very pretty and classic look. She also delicately frays the edges of the lace dresses, which enhances the punk look she is creating.
Shetland Lace is made from the wool around the neck of the sheep. It is the finest part of the sheep’s body. Using tools, it is removed and then spun finely to create the gossamer fine yarn. To create the lace fabric, the fine yarn is then doubled up on the steel knitting needle to give the fabric strength. Using the fine yarn and needle, intricate patterns called Horseshoe, Cat’s Paw, Bird’s Eye and Print of the Wave are created. These lace patterns are very delicate and beautiful looking and were worn by crofters’ daughters and royalty alike. This creates the royal look to the garments in Sarah’s collection.
Bibliography:
- fiddlesticksknitting.com
- www.alexandermcqueen.com