Cherry Blossom
Last year the cherry blossom tree in my garden – which the previous owner 15 years ago had trimmed and nearly killed as a result – finally burst into life. Its branches overhang my studio, perfectly framing its black timber frame. Through the little clerestory window above my desk, I have a new vista of the trees and flowers in this part of the garden. It has been so reassuring to see the seasons change and the natural world slowly awaken and bloom this spring without a care in the world.
This tree, and its blossoms’ joyous shade of pink, has inspired my latest Spring Summer collection. I’ve used it in a light gingham cardigan, a tank top, a triangle scarf and my favourite cashmere pants. I find its vibrancy both comforting and uplifting and the perfect counterpoint to some earthier neutrals such as smoke, oatmeal and chalk.
Inspired by the rebirth of my cherry blossom tree, I’ve spent this lockdown thinking about shedding old habits and forming new ways of working to suit the times. Stripping everything back; I’ve thought about the basics - defining what the brand stands for, why I am doing this, what is important and who is important.
This shift in my focus led me to consider modelling the Cherry Blossom collection on my friend and customer, Tali. The way she wears my pieces brought a new and refreshing dimension to the shoot. I wanted to keep things super relaxed so I decided to shoot the campaign myself. Armed with an old polaroid camera, a disposable and an iPhone, Tali, our pal Janey and I, we set off to my local swimming spot one morning with a bag of knits and no real plan other than to enjoy ourselves and hope the rain that was forecast would stay away.
For me, the images speak to friendship, comfort, authenticity and community. They capture a typical summer’s day on an Irish beach, where a slight chill is always around the corner and that all too familiar feeling that in order for our legs to be bare, our shoulders must be covered.
Ros Duke
