Michael Birch talks scarves…

Michael Birch is one of the success stories from Liberty’s Best of British campaign, he and his illustrative scarves were discovered by our buying team at the April event. And it’s not hard to see why his creations caught the eye, for from the strata of imagery on display emerges a strain of English eccentricity that was perfect for our open call. 

‘I was drawn right away to his bold vibrant colour palette, and taking a closer look I was blown away by his irreverent and slightly ‘mad’ subject matter – really quite original.’ Ed Burstell, Buying Director.

Michael’s scarves are now for sale online and instore, so thought we’d catch up with him to ask about his inspiration, his craft and his recollections of Best of British.

Your scarves display an eclectic range of imagery, what’s the most unusual image you’ve incorporated into a design?
I use different pictures for differing reasons. Some are added for style, narrative and others to induce a movement, feeling or even a specific sound.
 Ambiguous images which contrast against each other are used to create a visual movement as they resonate in opposing themes and contrasting meaning.  Depictions of birds and bugs are used to heighten my fear of fast animal motions, like fluttering and scurrying.  Portraits of singers such as Edith Piaf emit a powerful associated sound and extracts from great poems give the textile a ‘holistic completeness’ adding to the melee of dancing girls, flexing muscle men and pecking birds.

Do you tend to start with an image that you then build a scarf around? Or, do you already have a narrative in mind from the beginning, which dictates what you look for?  
I surround myself with observational drawings and paintings, found objects/ images, photographs, postcards, fabric scrapes.  I draw to music and listen to descriptive poetry, give myself unrealistic time frame to complete work and of course think about my next creations-twenty four seven.
A strong theme or themes naturally emerges linked to Beauty, greed, redemption or vanity and jealousy.  Discussing more than one theme or intention allows the work to demand a conversation with the viewer as they get drawn in to a world of swirls and dots, figures and flowers.

You’ve worked with a few design houses now, who did you particularly enjoy working with?
I really enjoyed my time at Zandra Rhodes as she taught me the importance of ‘being the artist’ and living for what you believe in. Her individual sense of style and love for printed textiles was truly inspirational.

You’re one of the success stories from our Best of British campaign, any particular recollections or favourite moments from the day?
As we got closer to the top floor everyone started to take out their products and display them by putting on their shoes, hats, broaches and scarves. The amount was prolific. It was lovely to see everyone displaying their products with pride and confidence.
I think it was the anticipation just before I saw Ed and the other buyers, when Ed called over Lucinda from Vogue to see my work, I nearly fainted.  It’s what dreams are made of.

Any advice for somebody entering the competition in the future?
We queued in the rain for hours…so take an umbrella!
Having the confidence in your product to allow it to sell itself is important and having specific ideas and selling points to discuss with the buyers as the time goes so quickly before they need to see the next designer.

If you weren’t working as a designer what would you be doing?
I think I would like to be a florist or gardener perhaps. I love flowers especially lupines and foxgloves where the spires of petals show the bloom for the whole summer. They are so elegant and are cathedrals of colour and scent.

What are your plans for the future?
My dream is to be featured in Vogue as it has been a constant source of style and inspiration to me. I buy it religiously each month and can’t wait for the next edition. Vogue guided me through my student days at Chelsea College of Art and kept me going when I left. Also, to work for Gautier and Galliano would be amazing. Being the print designer to couture houses with such prestige would be absolutely amazing.

Click here to buy Michael Birch scarves.