It's not unusual for designers to be inspired by their surroundings. Previously, Aberdeen-based Helen Ruth created a scarf collection inspired by what she found at the bottom of her garden. This season she takes a more fantastical turn with 'Lore of the Land.'
Drawing on local Scottish folklore, 'Lore of the Land' is an illustrated fairy story, telling some of Scotland's lesser known fairytales and bringing them to life in giant silk scarves. The less than familiar fairytales tell stories of deals with the devil gone wrong (The Maiden Stone) and little mermaid tales like you've never heard before. The Tale of Two Sisters has everything you want from a good story -- true love, a betrayal and death.
Helen Ruth's scarves are like no other. With "selkies" (a type of Scottish mermaid that sheds their skin) to tiny skulls hidden in every design, Lore of the Land is not your typical fairytale collection.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Dark Fairytales Fashion
- Designers are taking inspiration from dark fairytales creating eerie and stylish fashion products, providing opportunity for a niche market of consumers.
- Illustrated Story Telling
- Illustrated fairy stories are becoming more popular, showcasing new artists and innovative storytelling techniques.
- Reviving Lesser Known Tales
- Designers are reviving lesser known fairytales and adaptations from different cultures providing opportunity for cultural exchange and increased diversity in the fashion arena.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Fashion
- The fashion industry can explore creative designs and innovative techniques to bring new products inspired by dark fairytales to market.
- Illustration
- The increasing demand for illustrated storytelling provides opportunities for illustrators to collaborate with designers and tap into emerging market trends.
- Culture and Diversity
- Opportunity for designers and creators to broaden their horizons and showcase lesser known fairytales from different cultures while contributing to a more diverse fashion industry.
