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We have a new girl crush this month at Skinnydip, ultimate cool girl Rhianna Ellington is making some seriously fab prints and textiles inspired by natural history and nature, making them must have pieces every gal needs this summer!
You may have seen Rhianna's designs from when she teamed up with The White Pepper or Kuccia, and more recently All Bar One! We Caught up with Rhianna to chat inspiration, studio space and what's coming next!
Tell us a little about yourself...
I am a printed textile designer based in Norwich. I graduated from Leeds College of Art in 2013 with a degree in printed textiles and surface pattern design and have since been collecting, drawing, embellishing and designing patterns in my bright and airy home studio.
How did you start the Rhianna Ellington brand?
After graduating I did a few internships and decided I wanted to work for myself. In 2014 I created my first collection of luxury printed accessories, which included leather printed bags made by the New York based brand Baggu. Through social media brands began contacting me about collaborating, which has given me the opportunity to work with The Whitepepper, Kuccia and All Bar One and sell my prints in Topshop, Urban Outfitters and ASOS.
Your work is very inspired by natural elements, has this always been the focus of your work?
Yes it has. A lot of my design work is inspired by natural history and nature. I always begin my design projects by visiting museums, archives and botanical gardens.
Does your studio have the same bright and floral vibe as your work?
I love my studio; it is very bright and colourful. It is my favourite place to be.
What are your favourite source of inspiration for your prints?
I love visiting botanical gardens and anywhere outdoors! If I am ever visiting a new city I always research to see if there are any gardens I can explore. I also spend a lot of my free time on Pinterest and blogs where I am always finding images that inspire me.
Do you have a favourite piece of print you've create to date?
I love my leather printed bags, I take one everywhere with me. I think I have a favourite print for every project I do.
How would you describe your typical 'Rhianna Ellington girl'?
She is a big dreamer, happy-go-lucky and loves colour!
Do you have any styling tips for your pieces?
I like to wear my bright and busy printed accessories with a minimal outfit and a good pair of socks!
What is next for you and the brand?
I have just released a collection of patterned note pads and art prints that are available on my website. As well as this I am now selling my prints on a range of garments for printalloverme. This can be found at http://printallover.me/collections/rhianna-ellington/
And lastly, can we expect any more fabulous collaborations?
I am currently working on another collection for Kuccia and my biggest collaboration yet is on the cards but we are still talking it through so I can’t give anything away.