Sparklewren Autumn 2020 Lookbook: ‘Bless The Weather’

Although the Sparklewren brand is still on indefinite hiatus, earlier this year designer Jenni Hampshire was inspired to create this capsule collection. The corset bases were stitched prior to the closure of the brand’s ‘Corset Paradise’ workshop, with embellishment and finishing touches completed this year.

Taking inspiration from the surrounding Northumberland landscape and the designer’s experience of Spring and Summer. The garments were captured with Jenni’s two ponies, Skye & Fred, as co-models.

We have been lucky enough here at The Underpinnings Museum to acquire one of these pieces for the collection. ‘Dawn’ will eventually be documented in extensive detail for the online archive. We are delighted to exclusively share the full lookbook for this capsule collection below.

Our latest exhibition, ‘Gilded Lilies: A Sparklewren Retrospective’, explores and celebrates Jenni Hampshire’s body of work.

‘Gold Star’

A gored corset in silk-cotton satin, with alternating shades of silk and gold. It is appliquéd with dark gold lace along the bustline with V placement, overlaid with a central motif of a copper and crystal star. A personal favourite of the designer’s from this collection.

The piece is still available for sale here.

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‘Dawn’

Inspired by Northumbrian sunrises. A base of pure silk is embellished with layers of lace and organza, hand painted with a mix of of fabric dyes, watercolours, paints and Shiraz wine. The organza is draped and cut into lichen-like appliqués, offering a parallel to fluffy skies. The gold thread lace and loose lace blossoms offer flashes of light, reminiscent of sunlight edging the clouds.

This piece has been purchased for The Underpinnings Museum’s archive, with thanks to our generous patrons’ support and proceeds from pattern sales. We will be adding it to our online collections at the earliest possible opportunity.

‘Moon Blossom’

A pale cream corset with an asymmetric lower edge, created in silk duchesse satin and cotton coutil. A subtle blue tulle is draped over the corset body. The central embellishment motif is a crescent moon, created with goldwork in shades of yellow gold and copper. A scattering of hand painted gold-thread lace blossoms and pink gems finish the central motif.

‘Red’

An overbust corset of ruby silk-cotton satin. The fabric’s soft sheen contrasts beautifully with the matte chantilly lace appliqué, which is placed with ‘soft’ symmetry that follows the flowing lace pattern.

This piece is available for sale here.