A vibrant commission from Imperial College London to design and produce bespoke scarves for their Presidential Gifting Suite. Using fine fabrics, the new designs would have a bold appeal that would suit the strong characters of their Council Members and VIP recipients.
I embrace the chance for creative design commissions and this past year I have been involved in several design projects with a wonderful client. Called upon for my skills and experience across design, development and small scale production it was a pleasure to be invited back to assist in Imperial College London's colourful and rejuvenating Re-Brand.
Read on to discover the process, materials and finishing and level of detail that went into making two unique accessories for one of the UK's most prestigious universities.
Design Development
Working with Imperial’s new corporate branding package, an interlocking “I” pattern was selected for the men and women’s accessories. Two eye-catching scarves were created, translating the bold graphics into a refined wearable fashion print.
Following the newly expanded set of colours, a palette with “significant contrast to create impact” was developed. A rich Imperial Blue formed the base of the mens scarf. Two different colour variations provided diversity and choice within the women's gifting option.
Sampling
The open brief and quick turnaround time required concise management of print and manufacturing schedules. Along with a rigorous schedule for client approvals and sampling, a period of intense development and one-hit sampling was implemented. Print tests and strike-offs enabled accurate colour matching and appropriate pattern selection for the end products.
Print & Manufacture
A traditional silk twill was used across both mens and women’s scarves. A natural fabric chosen for its radiance and luxurious handle, it was well suited for the clients vibrant and dynamic palette.
Attention was paid to sustainability and responsible manufacturing of the project, with both the fabric printing and manufacturing carried out locally. The fabric was professionally digitally printed to exact quantities by the UK’s leading silk printer. Once printed, the scarf panels were individually cut and skillfully sewn by heritage makers based in England.
"I was delighted to be asked back to update my client's VIP gifting suite with a new set of scarves that had such a bright and bold appeal" Gina Pipet
Finishing
Finishing options for the classic square scarf included a fully hand rolled hem, and a partial hand finished option selected for optimum timings. The men’s dress scarves were beautifully handmade and finished with a delicate eyelash fringing.
The scarves featured a new woven brand label hand sewn at the hem. Working with a British label manufacturer the trim label was custom designed and developed incorporating Imperial’s new logo and palette.
Presentation
Careful consideration was given to the final scarf presentation to avoid the over development of unnecessary packaging. Adjusting the folding of the finished items afforded both scarves to be presented in an attractive gift box developed by the University.
The scarves were individually QC'd in-house before being carefully wrapped and packaged. It was my pleasure to hand deliver and present these to the client ready for their special launch event.
Imperial is a global top ten university in London
Ranked No.1 in Europe
Ranked No.2 in the world
Imperial College London
"A world-leading university where science never stands still"
