Five Minutes with a Friend: Sue Copeland
Join us as we sit down with Sue Copeland, one of the talented makers at our Winter Fair. With a rich background in fashion and textiles, Sue reveals the inspirations that have shaped her unique approach to design, colour, and fibre. Discover the stories and experiences that drive her creativity and passion for her craft.
After working as a fashion designer, Sue Copeland set up her own collection of handloom and hand-embroidered scarves, throws, accessories and bags using natural fibres such as cotton, linen, silk and Merino wool that reflect Sue’s passion for sustainable and authentic craftsmanship.
What has inspired you recently?
I was inspired by the John Singer Sargent exhibition at Tate Britain in March. Wonderful paintings of red and crimson outfits just amazing.
What is your most cherished textile, and why?
My most of cherished textile is a throw made in Jaipur in about 1890. It’s about a meter and a half square and it’s covered embroideries of people, animals, trees and mystic symbols. I brought it back home from India in about 1988 and have had it ever since, framed as a wall hanging.
Where did you learn your craft?
I trained in Kingston College I was a fashion designer, And after that, I went to Laura Biagiotti( Rome), Espirt (San Francisco) Paul Smith (Britain) 1989-2010.
The Selvedge Winter Fair 2024 takes place on 30 November 2024 at St Mary's Church, Wyndham Place, York St, London, W1H 1PQ.
Learn more and book your ticket to join us:
www.selvedge.org/products/saturday-30-november-2024-selvedge-winter-fair
After working as a fashion designer, Sue Copeland set up her own collection of handloom and hand-embroidered scarves, throws, accessories and bags using natural fibres such as cotton, linen, silk and Merino wool that reflect Sue’s passion for sustainable and authentic craftsmanship.
With years of experience as an international fashion designer in the luxury fashion industry, Sue has used her passion for fabric, colour and form to create beautiful, one-off pieces showcasing the uniquely rich colours of the Marrakesh souk. These heirloom garments, created with natural fibres and crafted using ancient techniques are premium investment pieces that will not only last but will become your most reached-for items for years to come. Enhancing any outfit, the pieces showcase stunning detail, super soft fabrics, delicate weaving and intricate embroidery.
What is your first memory of a textile?
The first textile I remember was from when I was about five years old. My grandma had a doll with a beautiful dress made from a Liberty print with lacy trim.
Can you put into words what you love about textiles?
Colour is my first love and I am always fascinated with the textures and infinite varieties.
Where is your most inspiring space to create?
My most inspired space is my home studio, after that it’s the Patricia‘s Riad is in Marrakesh it’s so calm and peaceful and I create wonderful scarfs and embroidery . Marrakesh is an amazing textiles, rugs and colour matching ,It makes me very happy and joyful.
What has inspired you recently?
I was inspired by the John Singer Sargent exhibition at Tate Britain in March. Wonderful paintings of red and crimson outfits just amazing.
What is your most cherished textile, and why?
My most of cherished textile is a throw made in Jaipur in about 1890. It’s about a meter and a half square and it’s covered embroideries of people, animals, trees and mystic symbols. I brought it back home from India in about 1988 and have had it ever since, framed as a wall hanging.
Where did you learn your craft?
I trained in Kingston College I was a fashion designer, And after that, I went to Laura Biagiotti( Rome), Espirt (San Francisco) Paul Smith (Britain) 1989-2010.
The Selvedge Winter Fair 2024 takes place on 30 November 2024 at St Mary's Church, Wyndham Place, York St, London, W1H 1PQ.
Learn more and book your ticket to join us:
www.selvedge.org/products/saturday-30-november-2024-selvedge-winter-fair