bek bek timson knitwear hits Shanghai Fashion Week

Model: Mikka Hendrawidjaja from Catherine Ruze Agency

MUA's: Cindy Sutton & Lisa Mullen

Hair: Sarah Williamson, Lime Fusion

bek bek timson hits Shanghai Fashion Week as part of an exhibition titled 'Dune'. 

Other designers involved are: Aurelio Costarella, Ae'lkemi, Megan Salmon, Antipodium and United Constructions, are amongst the 45 WA designers to be part of 'Dune'.

Acid Dyes - How to Dye Wool - The Little Purple Dress

Photographer: Songy  from stylediscovery.com.au

Model: Georgia from Chadwicks

I recently had a collection in Perth's Fashion Festival - A Touch of Wool III fashion show. 

We received the wool in the natural tone. Not wanting to use this colour meant that I would need to dye the fabric. I chose Acid Milling Dyes because it is great for dyeing wool.

Model: Mikka Hendrawidjaja from Catherine Ruze Agency

MUA's: Cindy Sutton & Lisa Mullen

Hair: Sarah Williamson, Lime Fusion

The little purple dress above was knitted via the amazing Shima Seiki (digital whole garment knitting machine) housed at the Department of Agriculture and Food WA, it uses such thin yarn and was knitted using WA superfine wool. The dyeing qualities were fabulous. The following instructions were used to dye this dress.

How to dye wool-
(Please note that all safety precautions need to be followed. Protective gear including - eye wear, gloves, masks, toe covered leather shoes, apron etc. Always, follow instructions from your supplier and use a well ventilated area.)

What you need-

1. Safety gear

2. 3 x 1 cup glass cups
3. Large Pot
4. Stirring spoon
5. Dye solution
6. White Vinegar

7. Table Salt

8. Water

Directions-

1. Fill 2 of the 3 glass cups with approx 1 cup of water each. This is because the dyes and chemicals need to be in liquid form. In the first glass of water add 1tsp of dye and stir (if you want a deeper colour just add more). Place 3tbsp of salt into the second glass of water and stir. Fill the last glass with white vinegar approx 100ml. 

2. Put in approx 3L water into the large pot. The ratio for liquid is 30:1 so 30ml of liquid is needed for every gram of fabric weight. (however if you are dyeing light weight or small amounts the ratio may jump up to 50:1. Rule of thumb- if in doubt just use as much water as it takes to fully immerse the garment or fabric in).

3. Add the first glass of water with the dye solution in it to the large pot of water and stir.

4.Wet your wool with water, make sure that it is completely wet then add it to the dye bath and stir.

5. Put the dye bath over a low heat and gradually heat to simmering. This may take some time but be patient and don't let it boil. Also, stir regularly. This is to stop uneven dyeing.

6. Carefully, remove material and add the cup of vinegar and the second glass with the salt solution in it into the dye bath. Replace the material and stir, stir, stir.

7. Simmer until the dye bath is exhausted. This just means that the fabric has absorbed all the dye and the water is clear.

8. Rinse well... (I added a nice smelling fabric softener to the rinsing process to get rid of the vinegar smell).

Let your material dry and repeat the process if you want a deeper colour. This dress didn't need any more dyeing. The colour was perfect.

 Model: Mikka Hendrawidjaja from Catherine Ruze Agency
MUA's: Cindy Sutton & Lisa Mullen

Hair: Sarah Williamson, Lime Fusion

The West Australian and a bek bek timson Wedding Gown

Alyce wearing a bek bek timson gown made by bek bek timson and Sam Elmslie. Featured in The West Australian. The article was by Jayne Rickard. To view full article and image source click here!

There were more than a few tears when popular WA-born footballer Graham Polak married his long-time sweetheart Alyce Oksuz in Perth's southern suburbs this afternoon.

Her stunning wedding gown was more than a year in the making and she praised Perth designers Rebecca Timson and Sam Elmslie  for their efforts.

bek bek timson at Perth Fashion Festival - A Touch of Wool III

A Touch of Wool III runway show - Perth Fashion Festival. 

Photographs via Style Discovery for more images of Perth Fashion Festival 2010. Click here!

Scott G Trenorden Images for A Touch of Wool III

The official photos by Scott G Trenordens for the 'A Touch of Wool III' - Perth Fashion Festival

Designer: bek bek timson

Image 1- Model: Mikka Hendrawidjaja from Catherine Ruze Agency

Image 2- Model: Stephi Mclean

MUA's: Cindy Sutton & Lisa Mullen

Hair: Sarah Williamson, Lime Fusion

A Touch of Wool III hits the Catwalk!

 Perth Fashion Festival 2010

(image source)

Designer: bek bek timson
Photographer: Style Discovery
Model: Emily from Chadwicks Models

The Dyeing Process!!! How to Dye Wool.

I ordered a few dyes from KraftKolour (click here to view website). The dyes from KraftKolour 

How to - Dye Wool Fibres (fabric, yarn, fleece etc) using Acid Milling Dyes

Formulas for dyeing can fluctuate depending on the depth of colour you desire and the thickness, weight and type of material you use. Some formulas can also be very confusing. It is always wise to do a few sample pieces first. Always use caution and safety gear. It is advised that you use instructions from your supplier and then vary.

This is the instructions on how I dyed a hand knitted neck piece with Acid Milling Dye - it will be worn as part of my collection for Perth Fashion Festival.

What you will need - a big pot, a stirring spoon, acid milling dye (in the colour of your choice), household vinegar, salt, water and a stove or hotplate (plus any safety gear- gloves, mask etc).

1. Wet your material thoroughly.

2. Place 1lt of water in large pot on low heat. (use enough water so that your material is completely immersed)

3. Add Dye (I used about two teaspoons mixed in about 100ml of water) and pre-wetted material.

4. Stir continuously.

5. Gradually heat (this may take around 20mins). Make sure you only simmer, don't boil.

6. Remove fabric from dye bath.

7. Add vinegar (50ml dissolved in 100mls water) and stir

[It is important to note - that you always add acid to water and never water to acid, otherwise a violent reaction may occur.]

8. Add salt (I use about 2-4 tablespoons dissolved in 100mls water) and stir

9. Replace material and continue to stir.

10. Simmer until dye bath is exhausted. (you will know when it is exhausted because the water will be clear)

11. Rinse well and dry.

And you are done!!! 

Statement Jewellery Tutorial

Statement Jewellery Tutorial 

(Designer: bek bek timson, Photography by Penny Lane, Model: Kelly Holmes from Scene Model Management)

Tutorial

French Knitted Wire Necklace: This is the easiest piece of jewellery you will ever make. I guarantee it.

All you need is:

• Wire of your choice (I used Designer Wire 20 gauge Gold 2x 10m bags)
• French knitting Kit also known as spool knitting or corking (you can usually pick this up from your local craft supplier or knitting and yarn shops)
• and a jewellery clasp (I used a magnetic three prong gold, I picked up from a bead supplier).

How to:

1. If you know how to french knit all you have to do is french knit the wire to the length you desire (If you're unsure of the length, drape a piece of string around your neck and use that as your guide). Cast on and off the same as you would yarn. If  you don't know how to french knit check out this youtube video to see how, keeping in mind you will be using wire instead of yarn. If your wire is too think you will need to use pliers instead of a hook.

2. Squeeze each (finished) end in on itself so it is easy to add the jewellery clasp.

3. Sew on the clasp using wire (you may need to get some thinner wire if your wire is too thick for the clasp loops).

Your necklace is ready to wear!!! You can add or vary depending on what you want. I used this necklace at my last runway show. I added a bunch of thinner french knitted wire to the front of the necklace for more volume.

(Images above- Photography by Penny Lane, Model: Kelly Holmes from Scene Model Management)

Good luck and I hope this tutorial inspires you to make some jewellery.
 Enjoy!!!

Knit One, Pearl One

(Photographer: Penny Lane, Model: Georgia Duncan from Scene Model Management)

I knitted this head piece back in 2008. Initially, it was a belt but was styled as a headband for this photo shoot by one of my fav designers Sooyung Yang.

The cream knitting is made via the Shima Seiki (knitting machine) housed at the WA Department of Agriculture and Food. Sooyung Yang is the specialised programmer for the machine. It knits whole garments for a seamless finish. 

A Touch of Wool III

(Image sourced from 'Design for Comfort' the 2009 catalogue)

I have been invited to showcase a collection at 'A Touch of Wool III' fashion show.

 In past years designers such as: Aurelio Costarella, Rebecca Patterson, Megan Salmon and Sooyung Yang to name a few have shown at this event.

The show will be held at Perth Fashion Festival, Fashion Central, Forrest Chase, Western Australia.

The entry is free!

‘A touch of wool’ has grown from the Design for Comfort collaborative research project between The Department of Agriculture and Food WA and Curtin University. It focuses on innovative science and design technology within the area of WA wool fibre research.

The most exciting part of this event is that a farming group called the West Australian Superfine Woolgrowers Association (WASWA) have put together some very fine quality wool for the designers of this show to use! This wool is unique, rare and therefore expensive. It is as fine as cashmere.This wool is usually seen in high quality fashion garments. 

And now my work begins. 

Statement Jewellery

(Designer: bek bek timson, Photographer: Scott G Trenorden, Model: Amanda MacDonald, MUA: Elsie Tan)

(Designer: bek bek timson ,Photography by Penny Lane, Model: Kelly Holmes from Scene Model Management)

 (Designer: bek bek timson, Photographer: Penny Lane, Model: Stephi Mclean) 

(Designer: bek bek timson, Photographer: Penny Lane, Model: Kelly Holmes from Scene Model Management)

More Blue Gown Images

Designer: bek bek timson

Photographer: Scott G Trenorden

MUA: Elsie Tan

Model: Alanna O

Lighting and photographers assistant: Megan Henderson

Crew: Tracie Cross

Gold Dress Images

The Gold Dress. 

Designer: bek bek timson

Photographer: Scott G Trenorden

Model: Rachael Anne Cross 

MUA: Elsie Tan, 

Lighting/Photographers assistant:Megan Henderson 

Crew: Tracie Cross.

Mens Knitwear

Home Ground Fashion Show

Designer: bek bek timson
Photographer: Penny Lane
Model: Tom Bull.

The Big Gold Dress

(Designer: bek bek timson, Photographer: Scott G Trenorden, MUA: Elsie Tan, Model: Rachael Anne Cross)

Home Ground Fashion Show

(image via Penny Lane Photography, Model: Rachael Anne Cross)

The Beaded Gold Dress

This dress was initially designed and made for my collection for the NRA Australian Design Awards. It was one of three dresses for this event. This gown has since been in the Vampire Photo Shoot and in the 'Home Ground' fashion show.

(Image via fashionscene.com.au)

Vampire photo shoot. 

(Designer: bek bek timson, Photographer: Scott G Trenorden, MUA: Elsie Tan, Model: Rachael Anne Cross)

Home Ground fashion 

(Photo via: Penny Lane, Model: Jess Maloney from Scene Model Management)

The $10 Dress!!!

Last year I did a little experiment with what I wore to Fashion Events... Would anyone notice or even care if I wore the same dress more than once??? (The cardinal fashion sin).

I attended quite a few fashion events last year but there were 3 fashion shows that showcased some of my own designs. At these events I was either going to be on the red carpet or walk on the catwalk with my collection. Perfect!!!

I made a $10 dress out of a simple stretch material. It is a princess cut design, 3/4 sleeved with a long zip up the back. Modestly simple and simply modest. Just my style!!!! It took me a good 10-20 mins to make.
I wore this dress to all three fashion shows. Would anyone notice?!?!?! Can you fit into the fashion world wearing a $10 dress???

The result was - no one noticed, no one cared.... and until now.... no one would have known.... I didn't feel out of place. I felt professionally and appropriately dressed. I think it was a fun experiment. And I think you can fit into the fashion world with whatever style and budget you want.

So here it is the $10 Dress!!!

NRA Australian Fashion Design Awards -Red Carpet - Gold Coast (Broadcast on Channel 9)

Perth Fashion Festival - Top 5 menswear design finalists

Home Ground Fashion Show 

(Image above - Photographer: Penny Lane)

Perth Fashion Festival 2009

I just discovered these images on a website called Style Discovery. The pictures are of my mens ready-to-wear outfit for Student Runway- Perth Fashion Festival 2009.  

(Image sourced from Style Discovery)

The models name is Shane Brew from Scene Model Management.

For more images of PFF see Style Discovery

Millinery

(Designer: bek bek timson, Photographer: Scott G Trenorden, In Image- MUA: Elsie Tan doing final touch ups and Model: Stephi Mclean)

(Designer: bek bek timson, Photographer: Scott G Trenorden, MUA: Elsie Tan, In image- Model: Rachael Cross)

(Designer: bek bek timson, Photographer: Scott G Trenorden, MUA: Elsie Tan, Model: Stephi Mclean)

(Designer: bek bek timson, Photographer: Penny Lane, Model: Jessica Maloney from Scene Model Management)

(Designer: bek bek timson, Photographer: Penny Lane, Model: Kelly Holmes from Scene Model Management)