About the artwork

This image depicts the brands that brought designer merchandise to us all. Burberry and Michael Kors dominate the style bible for many of us today. Burberry famous for their trench coat was the quintessentially unattainably British but in the 90’s they diversified and the Burberry scarf was seen on the high street. Michael Kors, an American luxury accessories label was also among the first to bring more affordable handbags and perfumes to a new generation of followers. Every woman now has the potential to be Sexy Ruby – it is within the grasp of us all. As an artist I have gone full circle. I started my career as a printmaker exhibiting at the Royal Academy and in New York. My journey has taken me through 28 years as a couture designer where fashion became my medium of expression dressing society women, couture brides and celebrities. The world of luxury brands, advertising and media has influenced my work as I step away from fashion and return to my artist roots. The source material for these mixed media collages comes from the glossy fashion magazines. Cutting and repositioning photos, logos and textures creates images that show how brands and fashion have influenced us and inspired our choices. Once complete, the collages are transferred onto canvas and embellished with crystals, gems, glitter varnish, words and comments to elevate my messages. Coating the images with a high gloss resin reinstalls the glossy world of luxury brands and pop culture that are so familiar to us. The glossy world of fashion and celebrity culture has been elevated to the gallery wall where it now makes a new positive statement.