LouLou utilises new skills to revive vintage trends!

LouLou Hunwick, a BA Contemporary Creative Practice (Fashion) student at Burton and South Derbyshire College has recently undertaken an exciting live project to rebrand Hope House Costume Museum in Alstonefield (Nr. Ashbourne).

LouLou sourced the placement through her tutor’s industry contacts and began working from home on the project at the start of lockdown in March 2020. This involved developing a new logo and designing a suite of promotional materials, including posters, leaflets and business cards.  She has also helped to diversify the museum’s online presence via social media platforms.

LouLou is now undertaking a regular placement at the museum where she assists with garment repairs and museum promotion. In addition, she has made a 1930s blue tilt hat using traditional materials and techniques which will accompany some of the vintage pieces on display at the museum. The theme has continued into her studies and she has also created a selection of 1920’s inspired hats as part of a collaborative assignment on her course. 

Previously a specialist nurse, LouLou has had a lifelong interest in fashion and decided to return to education as a mature student to follow her dream by undertaking the BA Contemporary Creative Practice (Fashion). After completing her degree, LouLou plans to go on to De Montfort University to undertake a masters degree, with an ultimate goal of working in academia in the future.

LouLou commented: “I have always loved fashion and finally had an opportunity to give it a go. It’s been a massive learning curve, especially in developing my digital skills. The placement with Hope House Costume Museum has been a fun challenge and has been an opportunity to develop my knowledge and skills in clothing I wouldn’t usually have had the chance to work on.” 

The collection at Hope House Consume Museum includes costume dating from the late 18th century to the 1970s and a variety of shoes from early Victorian to 1960s. The museum is owned by Notty Hornblower who began accumulating her incredible collection of costume in her thirties, having always had a fascination with history and clothes. Notty soon established a connection with likeminded others who began bestowing their historic costume upon her, knowing it would be cared for and appreciated, and enjoyed by others. She is still collecting costume and trading at antique fairs, and has also valued textiles at Hanson's Auctioneers. 

Museum owner, Notty Hornblower said: “From her first visit, LouLou impressed me with her work ethic; she is totally committed to involvement in everything she touches. Her sewing skills are amazing and she makes wonderful items; the hats she made replicating 1940s styles are truly spot on! She has planned and organised the next event at my museum, which has been closed since March 2020. She has also been instrumental in co-ordinating bookings for visitors for when we reopen. Her enthusiasm is 100% and she will do extremely well in the future in her chosen field!”