After leaving Prior’s Field School, I studied Textiles Design at Bath Spa University, graduating in 2017. Straight from graduation, I moved to Australia where I lived and worked in Bondi and travelled along the East Coast. I also spent several months in South East Asia including the colourful countries of Vietnam and Thailand. After a year and a half of travelling, I returned to London with an abundance of inspiration. Unfortunately, Covid hit soon after my arrival making it difficult to settle and remain creative. After several months of finding my feet, I decided to start my own small business of designing and creating silk scarves, where I could design and draw freely upon my inspirations and put my dreams into reality. 

The aim was to create highly sustainable, beautiful silk scarves to last a lifetime in ones’ wardrobe. I love the idea that you could have an item of clothing forever, and even pass it on down the generations. Sustainability and slow fashion is extremely important to me, and every scarf is made with passion and care. My latest collection is inspired by 70's bold glamour, with colour palettes influenced by the gorgeous hues of sunny Thailand.

My inspiration for Hula started in the Christmas lockdown 2020, and came from watching a TV series set in Thailand in 1970. I was drawn to the fashion and styling, especially one character in particular called Monique, who I named my collection after. 

I wanted to emulate 1970s silk scarves, not only in their iconic designs and prints, but in their gorgeous bold colours. It was also important to me to get the right type of silk with the perfect weight and drape.

The process of making my scarves starts with lots of drawings and sketches which are then edited meticulously on photoshop. I often use a Wacom drawing tablet for my more geometric prints. Once I have finalised my designs, I have test prints made in different colour saturations and contrasts, and on many different types of silk. This is to choose which exact colours and which silks work best to emulate the vintage feel I want to capture. This is an extremely time consuming part of the whole process, as not only do I have to experiment with different silk printing companies all over the country, but it involves lots of liaising with them in order to achieve the result I am looking for. 

When everything is carefully chosen and finalised, the print run begins. My scarves are printed in England by specialist silk printers. 

I have since collaborated with Lone Design Club, who seek out independent sustainable designers, and I was part of a pop-up shop with them in Covent Garden in September 2021. I am also very excited to have been invited by Tatler Magazine to be featured in their December 2021 Christmas issue. These scarves make ideal gifts, especially for Christmas and birthdays. 

I have learnt so much from this whole process and have loved every bit of it. I am very excited to continue this journey!

Find our more about Hula Studios:

Website - www.hula-studios.com 

Instagram - @hula.studios

Phoebe Kenny (OG 2006-2011)