Alexandra Halatsis’s graduate collection ‘Pre-Raphaelite Reverie’ was influenced by the art of the Pre-Raphaelites after visiting the Pre-Raphaelite Sisters Exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. The concept was further influenced by further looking at the Pre-Raphaelites through their poetry which suggested how they wanted their work to be depicted in a romanticised, almost majestic, way. Focusing on art, nature and the beauty of it as well as storytelling in order to capture a dream-like aesthetic. With a bold colour palette used in order to reflect the colours found within nature as well as in the art itself.

Design development using hand painting and hand dyeing techniques in the print room to create a feel of a painting to create high end fabrics. As well as creating intiitial drawings/paintings from initial photographs taken at Blenheim Palace as well as in gardens around Britain. Focusing on roses, textures as well as angels to replicate the words within Pre-Raphaelite poems. Focusing on the words of the Pre-Rapaelites in order to create a unique collection instead of replicating the art.

After not being able to use facilities such as the print room due to lockdown the collection took a more digital route. Using images found on vases and textures created within initial paintings to combine the digital and the handmade together. The Angelica repeat design was intended to be printed onto tulle using gathering and shirring to elevate the pattern.

Due to not being able to use the facilities in the print room Alexandra experimented with eco printing at home. In order to replicate the line within one of the main poems used as inspiration “and bears both flower and fruit with seeded core”. The development also included mixing the eco prints with layers of materials such as tulle and organza. As well as also trying to combine it with digital print designs.

This is part of Alexandra’s final line up for Pre-Raphaelite Reverie. The designs are voluminous and are inspired by the garments worn by the women within the paintings. Whilst some designs focus on the print and intend to compliment it. The final collection also has been separeted into colour schemes so the prints can fit well together and to reflect the feel of the poems.