All About Helen Bullock

December 18, 2015 | Design & Culture by Ed

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you might noticed that I had an interview column (by the way, I am planning to revive it in 2016!) and I wrote about the super talented, London-based artist Helen Bullock. Her vivid fashion illustrations and bold prints felt so full of life and attitude. And now, this unique personality launched her own bags line, printed with her signature vibrant prints. The limited edition collection is a selection of custom canvas tote bags, with hand stitched leather straps, and contrast print pockets. Hand printed with bright and bold gestural marks and her favourite colour pallete including, Lizard, Grape, and Traffic Cone Orange, these totes are roomy, and “even roomier for the weekend” as she told me! Alongside these, there is a collection of Limited Edition Giclee Prints – all in editions of 20. The original fashion illustrations were seen in magazines including AnOther, and CNN Style. You can buy all of these goods in her new on-line store, www.helenbullock.com

I feel Helen’s must-haves are good tips for arty Christmas presents! And, you can read our interview here.

I love this Vivienne Westwood illustration so much.

Interview with Helen Bullock

November 13, 2013January 6, 2024 | Design & Culture by Ed

Helen Bullock (Central Saint Martins BA, MA) is a textiles-driven label, using strong silhouettes as a platform for bold prints of a visceral nature. Throughout the seasons, work has been featured in publications including Dazed & Confused, i-D, and Vogue. And… now she’s up on Design & Culture by Ed !

EDWARD: Hi Helen. You are a young fashion designer from London, who graduated Central Saint Martins BA and MA, having your own label Helen Bullock and doing amazing illustrations during the fashion weeks. It’s all really impressive. Well, I hope you are doing fine?

HELEN: I AM!!!!

ED: What inspired you for this season’s collection? It’s so FULL of prints! And as I know, all textiles are designed by you.

H: Yes! All about the prints! As always a look across many different paths of imagery in an attempt to create my own visual story. At first I was driven by the bold honesty of graphic 60s prints, alongside a carefree image of Peggy Moffitt, combined with the intensity and composition of Keith Herrings work. Bit of a whirlwind really.

ED: Many designers usually find out they are going to be in fashion industry after sometime of studying different stuff. But when you were choosing your college, did you feel from the beginning you will be a fashion designer?

H: As the cliche often goes it really was something I dreamed of as a kid – but no more so perhaps than other options that preoccupied me. I eventually started studying fashion a little later than normal, and was a little resistant as thought the fashion pathway was a little predictable, and was thinking of myself as a fine artist. That all stopped though when I came across the idea of print … something that I’d never considered before, but seemed to bridge the gap so well between art and faaaashion!

ED: If you could choose, who would you love to wear your pieces? This can be an alive or dead person…

H: Well … I absolutely love it when Julie (Vehoeven) wears them …. but on a wish list Peggy Moffit would be super … and Iris Von Apfel would surely rock it!

ED: Who is your biggest fashion idol?

H: Anyone really who is prepared to take a risk and walk down the street holding their head high. I’m sat next to a lady Linda right now wearing a wonderful explosion of a Diana Freis dress…and dolly curls in her hair – we work together every Monday, and she never fails to impress.

ED: While you are a fashion designer, at the same time you’re contributing your fashion illustrations for A Magazine Curated By…. How would describe your drawing style?

H: Intuitive, sparing and in equal measures intense, at times awkward.

ED: Looking at your print erupting clothes, it seems you have a very energetic personality. Does your everyday style reflect the collections?

H: I hope so. I feel at a low if I’m not wearing brightness.

ED: If it’s not a secret- what are your next future steps for your label?

H: I’m trying to work my label as a limited edition made to order product. So rather than stockists, I’m almost searching for a place to exhibit the garment. At present though I’m setting up an on line shop, and have various collaborations in the pipeline.
I’m also hoping to add a range of scarfs to my next collection.

Printed Girl: Helen Bullock

November 7, 2013November 7, 2013 | Design & Culture by Ed

Helen Bullock, coming from London’s Central Saint Martins, is a textile and fashion designer whose works and illustrations were published on Dazed Digital, I-D and Vogue throughout the seasons. Using strong silhouettes as a platform for bold prints of a visceral nature, her Summer 2014 collection is simply amazing. With sharp cuts, strong colours and interesting textiles, Bullock is a designer whose name can’t be forgot. “Helen’s work is full of vibrance, energy and spirit. Her clothes radiate a sense of confidence, both in proportion and application of line. She is a true creative force, and produces work with a beautiful timeless quality” as said Julie Verhoeven, a supporter of Helen’s work. Together with the beautiful model Frances Rose Knee and photographer Chloe Oretice, the look book for SS14 is full of structured tank-tops and patterns that we really love. Hopefully, soon, we will hear even more of Helen Bullock!