9 months ago
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Posted On: February 1st 2026, 11:39 am
Delighted to have an image from my project 'Fashion On The Rows' printed in Cheshire West and Chester Council's Culture Manifesto, launched last week.
Fashion On The Rows was a community engagement project, commissioned as part of CWAC’s Refresh initiative; a cultural recovery programme designed to bring high quality arts and cultural activities back into Chester, including the Heritage Action Zone bid in which culture and creative activity is inspired by the distinctive heritage of the Rows. The aim of the project was to highlight Chester's prior millinery trade, the history of promenading along the Rows, and the closure of Browns department store, whilst engaging with the local community and collaborating with other creatives.
My choice of natural materials in the various headwear, such as taxidermy and natural curiosities, was inspired by a Victorian aesthetic and a nod to how the Victorians with their taste for the unusual celebrated the rows when they were in danger of closing in the 1800s.
I was joined by a creative team from across the UK on the day of shooting, including previous collaborator - Edinburgh based portrait photographer Jaime Molina. @jaime.a.molina
The photoshoot incorporated people from the local community and the University of Chester, @uochester alongside models from Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire, and hair and makeup artists from Merseyside.
The project included a competition, workshops and an exhibition at Contemporary Art Space Chester @cascgallery , as well as commissions with other Chester based creatives - filmmaker Sam Ryley, visual artist Clare Owens and singer songwriter Ashley Fayth. @canteencreate
This was my favourite hat - a nest I made from foraged birch, willow, blossom, ivy, wax flowers and blown eggs, modelled by the ever supportive @zoe_birtwhistle
I've also included a couple of other images from the day. To see more please visit @fashionontherows and search for the film made by Sam Ryley on YouTube where you can also hear Ashley's song - Feathers, Hats and Crowns. 🌿
Makeup: Lauren Wills @laurenwills_mua &
Caitlin Lynch @caitlin.lynch.makeup
Hair: @danielle.leylandhair
Behind scenes support: @lukemcello
Fashion On The Rows was a community engagement project, commissioned as part of CWAC’s Refresh initiative; a cultural recovery programme designed to bring high quality arts and cultural activities back into Chester, including the Heritage Action Zone bid in which culture and creative activity is inspired by the distinctive heritage of the Rows. The aim of the project was to highlight Chester's prior millinery trade, the history of promenading along the Rows, and the closure of Browns department store, whilst engaging with the local community and collaborating with other creatives.
My choice of natural materials in the various headwear, such as taxidermy and natural curiosities, was inspired by a Victorian aesthetic and a nod to how the Victorians with their taste for the unusual celebrated the rows when they were in danger of closing in the 1800s.
I was joined by a creative team from across the UK on the day of shooting, including previous collaborator - Edinburgh based portrait photographer Jaime Molina. @jaime.a.molina
The photoshoot incorporated people from the local community and the University of Chester, @uochester alongside models from Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire, and hair and makeup artists from Merseyside.
The project included a competition, workshops and an exhibition at Contemporary Art Space Chester @cascgallery , as well as commissions with other Chester based creatives - filmmaker Sam Ryley, visual artist Clare Owens and singer songwriter Ashley Fayth. @canteencreate
This was my favourite hat - a nest I made from foraged birch, willow, blossom, ivy, wax flowers and blown eggs, modelled by the ever supportive @zoe_birtwhistle
I've also included a couple of other images from the day. To see more please visit @fashionontherows and search for the film made by Sam Ryley on YouTube where you can also hear Ashley's song - Feathers, Hats and Crowns. 🌿
Makeup: Lauren Wills @laurenwills_mua &
Caitlin Lynch @caitlin.lynch.makeup
Hair: @danielle.leylandhair
Behind scenes support: @lukemcello
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