I recently visited the Shipley Art Gallery in Gateshead to
see an exhibition called ‘Journeys in Beadwork’. The exhibition had two parts
to it, the first being ‘Culture and tradition in the Eastern Cape’ which
explores the history of the beadwork of the Mfengu people in South Africa. The
african tribe have beaded collars, ties, necklaces, tobacco bags and other
clothing and accessories for generations by hand.
Although, I enjoyed the traditional beadwork, I have to say
my favourite part was the second section of the exhibition ‘Dialogues in
Contemporary Style’, which featured a display of contemporary fashion beadwork,
inspired by the traditional African craft. There were a few designers that
caught my eye in this exhibition, one of which was Fabienne Morel who is behind
the label ‘BrokenFab’. Her work displayed was called Disco
Beading, which is a very appropriate description for her cool, edgy handmade
beaded jewellery.  |
| BrokenFab |
Another designer I loved was Lisa Folawiyo and her label ‘Jewel by Lisa’. The dress on display was made with beads, sequins and
crystals, and really stood out to me.
 |
| Jewel by Lisa |
