Party Season with Catherine Walker & Co.

21st October, 2019

Two of our Degree Students recently gained valuable work experience with British couturier to royalty Catherine Walker & Co.  The Degree Students hand-embellished Swarovski crystal ‘stardust’ on an evening dress which was released in the House’s new AW19 Collection this month.

Two second year Degree Students, Emile Donielaite and Rachel Burnett, worked closely alongside the 30 artisans who reside at Catherine Walker & Co’s atelier in London’s Chelsea, to hand embellish hundreds of Swarovski crystals and create an abundance of dazzling, shooting stars.  Fittingly, entitledStardust’, part of a trilogy of ‘Stardust’ designs, the sharply tailored, A-line dress is made of opulent, midnight navy brocade.  It is part of a range of daytime, occasion and evening wear that Catherine Walker & Co Co-founder and Head of Design, Said Cyrus, unveiled.

Said Cyrus commented: “I was delighted to invite two students from the Royal School of Needlework to have hands-on experience with us and we were very impressed both by Emile and Rachel’s abilities and enthusiasm.  I was also lucky enough to tour the Royal School’s Degree Studios at Hampton Court Palace and view student and graduate work.  I was so impressed by the standards that are being instilled there.  It’s vital that we nurture and champion future talent in artisanal skills.”

Angie Wyman, Leader of the RSN Degree Course commented: “As part of our Degree Course in Hand Embroidery we offer students the opportunity to engage with live projects to help their professional development and to give experience in the industry.  We are delighted to be collaborating with Catherine Walker and to help bring this bespoke evening dress to life.”

More information on our Degree in Hand Embroidery Course

More information on Catherine Walker & Co