The Summer Mood

I love to start a new season with new inspiration, this 100% comes from my 10 years working in fashion and being given a new brief at the start of every project.

A mood board, an inspiration board - whichever you prefer, it’s the images, paintings and references that I’ve been drawn to over the past few weeks in the lead up. Together, I feel they encompass what Summer means for Sow Society.

As with any industry, I think it’s vital to look outside of what fellow peers are doing. I find researching across architecture, art, interiors, fashion and so many other areas really helps to bring a fresh perspective for whatever it is you’re doing.

There are 19 images in my study in Summer, but here I’ve picked 5 to talk through in more detail and why they made the cut. And also share a bit on my researching process and some of my go-to places.

FIG. I Film: L’Argent by Robert Bresson.

This - admittedly isn’t a film I’ve seen, but researching cinematography is often a way I find films I’ve never heard of, and add to my watchlist. I’ve had this saved for a long time amongst film stills that I love, and it felt so fitting to how I feel about Summer.

From spending time looking out the window, to standing in the garden checking on my plants. It represents everyones Summer evenings, getting home from work and watering the garden. It’s so season specific.

FIG. II Charles Polisch via V&A archive.

The V&A archive is probably one of the most fantastic free resources we are blessed with. From online, to in person it makes researching so much more fun.

I sometimes find botanical drawings and illustrations slightly twee, so I use them in moderation. This botanical study of a Japanese sunflower is the exception because of the composition. I found it while looking through the V&A object library at sunflower references, because to me the sunflower is the Summer flower. Beautiful colours, flower combinations and illustration style to inspire some of the arrangements we have coming this season.

FIG. III Moismont SS23 campaign

If I’m not making my way to of the many incredible UAL libraries scattered across London, (CSM and LCF are my favourites for my part-time fashion consulting, and often go a few times a year for a refresh or for the beginning of a project) then Pinterest and Cosmos are great for fashion related inspiration.

I love both Pinterest and Cosmos, it would be foolish to say that I don’t use these places a lot for references. The issue I have with them - is I was trained to reference things (anyone who spent years Harvard referencing will know), I like to credit, and I find it lazy when people don’t do it. That being said, when people do - it’s a dream.

This image is from French brand Moismont’s SS23 campaign, but it feels more like 1993 somehow. The sun kissed freckles, scarf wrapped under the straw hat - it’s the ultimate gardening or outside work attire. It’s chic, but practical in the Summer sun and reminds me I need a better hat.

FIG. IV Vintage Seed Packets - Garden & Wood

Garden & Wood is probably one of my favourite Instagram accounts out there. It combines two of my favourite things, gardening and antiques and puts them together to create a slightly niche obsession.

I can’t tell you how many screenshots I have on my phone of seed packets, it’s luckily not manifested itself into a physical hobby yet, but I’m on the verge.

For me a good seed packet focuses on typography and layout. The image of said thing, I’m not so bothered by and I’d rather it be large and bold - like the turnip in this image. Seed packets and Summer remind me of Summer holidays spent with my Gramps picking up ‘whatever seeds I liked’ from his selection to grow in his greenhouse.

FIG. V Claude Lelanne via Christie’s

Looking at auction house catalogues has become a bit of an obsession over the past year, it started with 1stDibs and slowly spiraled.

This set of flatware by designer Claude Lelanne was sold via Christie’s. It’s just the most decadent cutlery, and it would be a dream addition to a Summer alfresco dinner or better yet a wedding table design complimented with very soft, blousy florals.

Take a closer look at the full study in Summer on our Instagram.