Designer insights with Liz Clay

Liz Clay is a luxury textile designer specialising in beautiful hand felted materials and textiles, working from Somerset, since 2001. Liz combines exquisite craftsmanship and innovative techniques to create an exclusive collection of couture designs. She has created a completely new approach and process for designing felted fabric, aiming to celebrate and surprise her clients. This has led to her work being sought after by fashion houses in London and Paris, as well as gaining industry recognition. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Liz Clay.

Designer Insights - Liz Clay

Image Credit: 1) Jeanette Rattfeldt 2) Dale Chihuly 3) Hauser & Wirth Somerset 4) Dior 5) Joe Hogan

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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?

I specialise in creating very fine felt that has a translucent, paper-like quality. I am totally dedicated to hand craft production and the whole process of making with my hands.

2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?

I begin by working the materials; testing, sampling and further experimenting with process and techniques, to feel the potential they offer. Once this is done I can make creative decisions.

3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?

My work is commissioned by haute couture fashion houses. Responding to creative briefs can be daunting. Some of the most challenging but rewarding collections I have been involved with were for Riccardo Tisci at Givenchy, Paris. If a creative director likes what you do the possibilities are endless and the energy between studio and créateur is formidable. I call it “crafting the impossible”…the title of one of my presentations!

4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?

Keen observation of the minutiae feed my ideas and inspiration. I take many photos, recording textures, colours, moods and expressive characteristics I see. Then, abstracting the familiar to reinvent objects.

5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?

A definite passion and curiosity for materials and their potential is what drives my practice and keeps me energised. I am always looking for ways to offer something unique and original, whilst maintaining my personality and creative voice. Love what you do and then go that extra mile to be extraordinary.