An artist from Machynlleth was asked to contribute to an exhibition celebrating Laura Ashley after moving into the famed designer’s first shop.
Elin Angharad, a designer who currently works from Machynlleth, has contributed to the Museum of Modern Art’s ‘For the Love of Laura Ashley’ exhibit, creating a vintage style handbag that would be featured as a piece to showcase the famed mid Wales fashion designer’s lasting influence.
Specialising in leather, Elin has crafted bespoke leather handbags, belts, wallets and other accessories, sewn by hand and using traditional methods.
She said: “I was approached to design and create a bag using vintage Laura Ashley to be included in ‘For The Love of Laura Ashley’ exhibition.
“Although my experience of working with fabric was limited, I was inspired to combine the vintage fabric with my leather work, seeing how these materials would pair to create a functioning piece for the seventieth anniversary exhibition.”
Elin has a long history with the iconic fashion designer, as her mother worked for the Laura Ashley company for ten years. In June 2023, Elin opened her own shop in Machynlleth, at 37 Heol Maengwyn, the location of Laura Ashley’s first shop.
She added: “It was so fitting as I had just moved into the shop.
“I’ve heard many stories from family and friends that worked for the company, allowing me to get an idea of the scale and energy that Laura Ashley brought to the area. I was introduced to Laura Ashley fabrics and furnishings from a young age, as my mother worked for the company for ten years.
“When the opportunity arose to open my very own shop in Machynlleth I jumped at the chance, especially after learning the address 37 Heol Maengwyn - Laura Ashley’s first shop.
“The shop has so many original features that haven't changed since Laura Ashley occupied the premises, like the flagstone floors and the beamed ceilings.
“The beautiful front window and awning above, gorgeous front door and the bay window are some of my favourite things about the shop.
“Longevity and style are at the core of my work, and seeing so many timeless pieces in the exhibition at MOMA reinforces the importance of great design and quality.
"I was honoured to be asked to be a part of the exhibition, and I look forward to continuing the tradition of this at my little shop.”
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