Inspired to Create the Best Luxury Silk Scarves
Despite the most bizarre of years, Firehorse grew further in 2020. We’re incredibly grateful for your support and that of our creative-artisan team and kind advisors that believe so much in what we do. It was very affirming and has fired us up for more adventures in 2021! This post is all about origins – some people and places who have influenced me, our brand ‘DNA’ and scarf designs.
Finella, Firehorse Founder
An Eye for Design and Quality
Trained as a fine artist, my mother Rosie is passionate about quality and a great influence on our love of ‘slow luxury’, a movement which promotes thoughtful design, creation and consumption and producing pieces that can be worn and loved for years because of their timeless design and excellent quality. My mother is also the epitome of positivity and her mantra ‘If you can dream it, you can do it’ propels me forward every day! Rosie is wearing our Atlantis Vivid Lima scarf, designed for Firehorse by Sheroze Iqbal.
A Passion for Premium Quality Textiles
Not so long ago I visited the last remaining linen weaving factory in Ireland with my father Irvine, previously Director of Ewarts, a former producer of the finest Irish damask linen and, at one stage, one of the biggest linen producing companies in the world. He talked about the weaving shed at Ewarts being a quarter of a mile long and home to about 800 looms. Sadly the industry is a snippet what it was then – BUT – what we did see was the most wonderful innovation and creativity. Along with other niche textile companies in mainland UK, the company we visited has reinvented itself as a specialist artisan manufacturer serving the luxury market with an eco friendly luxe alternative to cotton. Very inspiring and hugely commendable.
In his ninetieth year, my father is still an enormous inspiration to me in terms of all things textiles, business and aiming high!
From Malaysia to Macclesfield
Solena, designed for Firehorse by Anni Taverner, was inspired by the interior decoration of domed ceilings in Kuala Lumpur where beautiful circular patterns are used to symbolise heaven. A year ago I had the pleasure of seeing this for myself at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, located in the lush greenery of Perdana Botanical Gardens.
The artwork for Solena was created through the ‘verre églomisé’ process, the art of applying metal leaf to glass, a technique traditionally used in the decorative arts. First Anni reverse painted the design in tonal layers onto glass, then she applied copper leaf using water-gilding techniques to create a softly reflective surface and sophisticated surface pattern. The artwork was then scanned and developed further digitally before handing it over to our specialist silk printers in Macclesfield. The result? Our Solena pure silk satin scarf! An heirloom piece based on Anni’s incredible artwork.
A Sparkling Valentine’s Gift? 🥂
Gift a luxurious Firehorse silk scarf to someone you treasure this Valentine’s and we will send your loved one a complimentary bottle of Canterbury Rose Sparkling Rosé from gold-medal winning Simpsons Wine Estate! Simply join our mailing list to receive the promo code!
