EDINBURGH-BASED Mairi Wilks offers designs inspired by Scotland’s landscapes and wildlife.
Originally studying to follow a very different career path, Wilks graduated from Edinburgh University in 2009 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery.
Later aspiring to channel her creative side, the small-animal vet set up a photography business in July 2013. Quickly finding her niche, she focused on offering commercial photography for those within the fashion and textile industries.
Further seeking to explore her creativity, Wilks’s Mairi Helena surface print label was established in 2016. It’s not such a leap for the former vet – design runs in the family with both her parents working as textile designers, graduating from the Scottish School of Textiles in Galashiels.
With an ambition to demonstrate that there is no need to be afraid to embrace individuality, the Scottish designer provides a fresh and unique twist on both Scottish interior and fashion accessories. Her collection includes a wide range of items, from lampshades and wallpapers to furnishing fabrics and silk scarves.
Combining interior design with photography, Wilks’s vibrant thistle inspired designs arise from her photographs of Scotland’s beautiful landscapes and wildlife.
Giving the thistle a new lease of life, she uses bold colour and an updated tartan plaid to transform the floral emblem of Scotland into modern, luxurious interior designs.
Using a mixture of print processes such as digital and hand screen-printing, all of the label’s designs are made in Scotland.
Supporting local manufacturers and ensuring products are produced ethically are core values of the brand.
Although the collection focuses primarily on interiors, Wilks also offers a range of stunning statement silk scarves. In the style of her interior collection, the range beautifully combines contemporary design and Scottish heritage, with prints including a stag against a modern tartan plaid.
Entering the world of fashion and interior with a bang, Wilks first showcased in September 2016 at London’s Design week.
Since the launch, the brand’s designs have received notable media attention including features in Scottish Woman Magazine and The World of Interiors. The Scottish designer was also awarded the New Talent in Interiors award by Scotland Re:designed in November 2016, as well as receiving the Editor’s Choice award at the Country Living Christmas Fair in Glasgow.
In addition to running a successful business, Wilks further showcases her creative passions through her blog which focuses on colour and interiors. The blog was recently shortlisted for the top five Best Colour Inspiration Blogs at the Amara Interior Blog Awards in October 2016.
Seeking to further impress the fashion and interior world in 2017, Wilks will be exhibiting her full collection at the Scottish Interior Showcase at the Dunblane Hydro next month.
mairihelena.co.uk.
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