I Won an International Design Competition

The competition, organised by Los Angeles-based International Design Awards. is called Land + Sea, for "Architecture and Designs in Interiors, Products, Graphics and Fashion That Decrease Man's Carbon Footprint". I liked the poetic quality of the title, and the judging panel was very impressive. I didn't think for a moment that I'd win, I just thought it would be an interesting challenge and quite useful to get my work in front of some influential editors, and design luminaries. I'm still astonished that I won the Land, Fashion category. Another British label, Eco Boudoir, won the Sea, Fashion category, so we're obviously a hot-bed of eco-design in this country.

Another winner I REALLY like the look of is Arizona-based Les Indiennes. Designer Mary Mulcahy has a beautiful collection of hand-blocked homeware. All hand-blocked onto Indian organic cotton, using natural dyes and no electricity - they are really beautiful.

I'm quite astounded, in particular, given the quality of the other winners. In February I had received an unsolicited press release about the competition from an anonymous fairy god-parent to whom I will be eternally grateful. I found out about winning on May 1st. I was stuck in stationary traffic on the M25, driving to my tailor to pick up my final samples for my shoot the next day. Yes, as usual the samples are ready at the 11th hour. As I was so busy I didn't really digest this extraordinary news until later. What's amazing is that I don't really have a fashion background and I'm so new to the game, having only launched in October 07. It's really validating, and I guess there is something fresh, different and new about my work because of that. I come from a different angle. I'm sure, however, that it is some kind of celtic magic in the tweed that swung it.

I've been in a dreadful quandary about going to the reception in New York on 18 May. I have a somewhat more modest trip to Mull to the weavers planned. At the same time, as a well-brought up gal who likes to be polite, I thought it a little rude to not go along. Also, the hard-nosed self-promoter (not a very accurate description) says I must go and meet all these interesting judges, editors, other winners and so on.

I'd thought about my trip to Mull. I had decided not to fly (I can't ever justify flying to Glasgow from London). I thought of driving but it's a real hike (12 hours) and petrol keeps going up. In the end, I decided it would be more environmentally friendly to go by train. Trains are, of course, emergingly more glamourous a means of travel. What better than to spend hours reading a good book, with a view of the countryside, the highlands and the west coast going past you as a distraction? It certainly beats being sniffed and herded and barked at in a heaving airport with a load of grumpy fellow travellers.

Back to the NYC trip. So, with a heavy heart, I felt I couldn't cancel my Mull trip and get on a plane to New York. It wouldn't be 'decreasing my carbon footprint' and I would be breaking my environmental policy. I've decided only to take one long haul and one short haul flight a year and have already arranged one (to New York paradoxically). It just felt too hypocritical to break that pledge. I feel bad, but I suppose if you have standards and policy then that feeling bad is part of it. I'm delighted and honoured to have such recognition. I shall make sure that I toast the folks at the International Design Awards with a good malt Whisky whilst I am in Mull. Remind me to take some pictures.

Comments

[sarah]

Eloise

Well done, that's fantastic news. It's not always about qualifications and experience.

[flower girl dress]

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[penelope]

Eloise,
it is so exciting to see one getting the recognition as adesigner.Especially as a designer I appreciate that one has to make sacrifices to achieve their gals.
Well done!
Penelope