With a heritage that includes celebrated society artist William Shand-Kydd as her great-grandfather, Beshlie McKelvie combines her love of textiles and print with her skills as a trained fine artist, to create her line of garments that melds traditional craftsmanship with stunning design. “My collection is a fusion of all I am passionate about.” says Beshlie who has recently worked with celebrity designers Sienna and Savannah Miller. “Beautiful design; traditional, authentic craftsmanship and the empowerment of marginalized women are at the absolute core of my ethos.” With her collections already being snapped up in London’s hottest boutiques – including Designers Guild, The Cross and Pippa Small – and about to launch in Ibiza and India this Spring, Beshlie’s collection is proving a captivating blend of beauty of purpose and beauty of creation. Working directly with small cooperatives of women in India, South America and Africa, Beshlie’s pieces are not only stunningly beautiful but also ethical, directly benefitting the communities who produce them. She has harnessed the skills of block printers from Rajasthan, the Ngo Self Employed Women’s Association and Aymaran weavers from Northern Argentina and Bolivia. Each Beshlie garment is hand-dyed and handmade, and so completely unique. Dresses are created in soft cottons, silks and georgettes and adorned with fine silk thread, appliqué, print and original vintage embroidery. www.beshliemckelvie.com
News
July 28, 2012John Lescroart
