Helen Bird, freelance costumier, creates uniquely beautiful clothes, bags and accessories using an exciting and gorgeous mix of contemporary and vintage fabrics. Curious and quirky, witty and wonderful, her creativity and passion shine through her latest collection of bags in vibrant floral mixes.

"Rich garments, linens, stuffs and necessaries"

Included in the collection – and a stunning example of eco art – are the treasure ropes. Using shredded fabric left over from creating her bags, Helen’s ropes are woven, plaited, twisted and knotted together. Then, like sunken treasure caught in seaweed, all sorts of ‘unconsidered trifles’ are sewn into the braid. From old brooches and the odd earring to a piece of Christmas decoration or an antique button, who knows what you will find in yours?

“Make the rope of his destiny our cable (...)
And pluck my magic garment from me. So, lie there my art"

The Tempest, William Shakespeare