TCHOTCHKE BOX
A BA Hons Fashion Graduate from Manchester Fashion Institute, Romy Aldren founded her brand TCHOTCHKE BOX creating womenswear pieces that celebrate ornate fabrications and hand crafted textiles.
Romy combines her eye for texture, vintage components such as trims and fabric remnants with kitsch silhouettes, to create ready-to-wear pieces that hold ‘theatrical’ inspirations.
Her womenswear graduate collection was heavily inspired by collections of unexpected antiques and clutter. Reflecting on people’s relationship to objects that they may hoard over the years and grow attached to. She incorporated a 100 year old Victorian tapestry that had been passed down by generations within her family, which was manipulated using screen print, alongside chainmail that had been printed using spray paint and vintage lace. The injection of contemporary styling and clashing of materials, makes each piece a unique celebration of craft.
In Romy’s words, “the word ‘Tchotchke’ means small trinket or ornament, which is one of my main inspirations within my practice”
Her design details for silhouettes and fabric manipulation take inspiration from vintage furniture, historical dress and are combined with contemporary elements of playful dancewear.
Romy’s personal style involves layering different prints, textures and multiple fabric weights. Her love for collage is threaded throughout her work including in the styling, which is one of the most crucial elements in her process.
“I get so much enjoyment from creating things, so my aim is to produce limited quantities of garments that people value and hold on to for a long time, whilst continuing to experiment and develop ideas as I go.”
“I want to be as sustainable as possible, so for my current collection I am using components I have already collected including vintage towels, table cloths and curtain rings. I always include hand sewing techniques in my practice such as pleating, beading and crochet, so that things look organic and delicately created.”
Romy’s wish is to collaborate within Manchester’s growing fashion community to hold future pop-up shops, as well as an e-store, but most importantly she wants her products to remain personal and to connect with the human touch.
Craft is simply this: creativity that empowers her passion and she firmly believes we must continue to connect on a human level through fashion.
theyardatelier.co.uk 