Stay Gold!

The 1920s has been described as the decade in which fashion entered the modern era.  The '20s and  '30s saw flappers, shift dresses, hats for men (fedoras, bowler hats and newsboy caps), and accessories such as elbow length gloves.  The art world saw the rise of Surrealism and Art Deco.  

When Creative Director Ana Cunningham stumbled upon a stack of vintage Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Vanity Fair magazines at a garage sale, she bought them immediately.  The publication dates range from 1924 – 1940 and their pages are full of stunning artwork, advertisements and fashion.

 

 

Comparing magazines from the '30s with the modern day magazine insert also proves interesting.  Here is the Globe Style Advisor insert for Fall 2013 with the vintage magazines for contrast. 

 

  

The trends from the Roaring Twenties and the 1930s continue to inspire many different aspects of film, music, fashion, pop culture and interior design, to name a few areas.  

Creative Matters’ 25^th Anniversary line of rug designs captures the essence of the era with the “silver and golden hues yet intricate patterning” that is reminiscent of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.”  The latest line of luxurious fair trade rug designs will launch at the New York International Carpet Show in October 2013.  Here are some of the designs next to the pages of the vintage magazines.

 

 Empire, XXV Collection

 

Dream - Vibrant, XXV Collection

 

 Dream - Gold and Silver, XXV Collection

 

Twiggy, XXV Collection

It’s not hard to see how current clothing trends are also derived from these fashions.  Brooks Brothers recently put out a Great Gatsby line of menswear, and other major retailers like ASOS and Topshop offer pieces to replicate this “iconic style with a modern twist.”

 

The Creative Matters team looks forward to the October launch in Manhattan at the New York International Carpet Show, described as an “inviting and established showcase for the most current and innovative products by visionary artisan carpetmakers.”  

Until next time...

Meet the Design Team, Part III

Introducing the Design Team, Part III

If you missed earlier installments, click to get caught up on the Administrative Team, the Design Team Part I and the Design Team Part II. 

Leah Phillips, Art Director

Originally from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Leah has been with Creative Matters for the past six years and in textile design for over 15 years.  She studied Fabric Surface Design at New Brunswick College of Craft & Design and brings a variety of skills and expertise to the design team in her role as Art Director. 

 

Leah’s eye for the innovative shines through as she loves to mix traditional and contemporary techniques.  She doesn’t shy away from making a mess and working with her hands on Art Day as the designers are inspired to create new and fresh designs. 

 

Ana Cunningham, Creative Director/Project Manager

Having been inspired by textiles while traveling in Ghana, West Africa, Ana brings her international experience to Creative Matters.  Back in Canada, she graduated from the Textile studio at Sheridan Institute and has been an integral part of the Creative Matters team for 15 years. 

She views textiles as a vehicle for self-expression and storytelling, and this passion is relayed in her role as Creative Director/Project Manager.  Ana is always ready for a challenge and approaches Art Day with excitement for the opportunity and freedom to explore different mediums and their capabilities. 

As a bonus, click here to read an interview all about Ana's education background.
 

Ali McMurter, Senior Designer

Ali grew up in Streetsville and attended the University of Guelph for Fine Art and Geography.  Upon graduation she worked in a design studio in New York, then later moved home to work in Toronto and has been with the CMI team since 2006. 

She is deeply interested in the effect of colour, lines and texture, and exploring different materials.  Ali is inspired by found materials as a medium, full of possibility and history.  One of her favorite parts of working with textiles is the process: “manufacturing techniques, influences and stories.”