Final year project
The Silk Merchant [Read more]
The silk merchant parlour visualisation
The Silk Merchant Collection is showcased as a distinctly bohemian Living Space. Luminous velvets Ikat prints are draped against a Wallpaper inspired by the colours of the Spice Trail and Islamic Tiles. Bohemian style mixes items from all cultures in one space and celebrates the eclectic mix of colours and textures. This is appropriate for this project as The Silk Merchant celebrates the crafts and wares that would have been found across the lands that the Silk Road journeyed through.
Damson Damaskus ikat print
Inspired by richly coloured Robes made in Uzbekistan, this reinterpretation is intended for upholstery. Printed using a VAT paste onto vivid purple Corduroy, the fabric maintains a fabulous texture.
The silk merchant moodboard
Moodboard showing the full colour palette and inspiration for the project from all kinds of patterns and techniques of the Middle East and beyond.
The silk merchant application
Showcasing a variety of prints that work harmoniously in this setting. A mix of Tile inspired prints, large scale ikats, and a grain-textured wallpaper adorn this space.
Samarkand print
The Samarkand print combines fragmented patterns with tonal textures, envisaged on velvet, the colours of this print harmonise the other exotic colours used in the collection
Tehran tiles
Inspired by the stunning Islamic tiles found in Iran in Mosques, this print celebrates the colours of the Spice Trail against the floral motifs often found in these tiles
Laura Catherine Podd
Bold colours are always at the heart of Laura's work, and her most recent project The Silk Merchant is no exception to this. Her most recent projects explore the Middle East and Marrakech through drawing and pattern development.
With an appreciation for hand-drawn designs and traditional techniques, Laura's work approaches Printed Textiles in a way that seeks to optimize her drawing skills, which when paired with her flair for colour, allows her to create distinctly innovative designs appropriate for all forms of surface pattern. Her keen eye for design, and exceptional knowledge of current trends ensures that her work is always ahead of the curve
Laura plans to launch her career through designing an interiors collection during her final year of university.
Her Final Major Project, The Silk Merchant pays homage to the intrepid travellers of the Silk Road in search of crafts and wares. The collection celebrates a historical love of travel and exploration of new cultures through studying artefacts found in museums from lands all along the Silk Road. The collection is imagined as a series of Prints that explore and reinterpret the patterns, crafts and textures that became tokens of Eastern Culture.
Final year project
The Silk Merchant
Awards
'19 Summer Stories - Designs sold internationally through Warehouse Fashions
Placements
August 2018 - November 2018
Design Studio Intern, Liberty Ltd
June 2018 - July 2018
Print Design Intern, Warehouse Fashions
March 2019 - March 2019
Product Development Intern, Designers Guild