While scouring the web for the latest in fashion news, I came across Etsy, a site where creative minds who make, sew, and craft just about everything from dishes and bedding to jewelry and t-shirts. The artists on Etsy are able to sell their one-of-a-kind and unique creations on their own online store.
Silk scarf, $55.
One of the stores that caught my eye was Gilbea, which featured beautiful handpainted silk fashion accessories like scarves, brooches, and earrings in vibrant colors and prints from Spain. To find out more, I caught up with the Spanish designer, Loli Gil Bea, for an e-interview. Here’s what she had to say:
The Chic Spy: When did you start painting?
Loli Gil Bea: I started painting silk 15 years ago, as for painting in general, I think I have done it all my life! I always enjoyed drawing, and I attended some watercolors painting courses, and couldn’t stop doing it since then.
Silk earrings, $18.
TCS: What made you decide to paint on silk?
LGB: One chirstmas I received a book on silk painting, techniques, designs etc. I immediately fell in love with the bright colors and painting something that could be worn and not just hang on the walls.
TCS: What inspires you when you paint?
LGB: Nature, landscapes … but for silk accessories I usually go abstract. I love reading books about famous painters or visiting modern art museums to find new ideas that I can show in my silk designs.
Silk brooch, $20.
TCS: Which painters have inspired you?
LGB: There were some Picasso inspired silk scarves — I painted women faces in an abstract and colorful way. Some of my latest abstract designs were inspired by Klimt paintings and abstract artists in general.
TCS: Have you founds any inspiration from Spain for your paintings?
LGB: I really like Picasso and Dali, so yes, even if not intended, I think my designs show some of my Spanish culture.
Silk hand fan, $45.
TCS: Besides silk scarves, what else do create?
LGB: My latest creations with silk are brooches, earrings, necklaces, and shirts. Also, for the summer I painted silk to make hand fans with them, and they were very popular.
TCS: Which colors do you like to work with most?
LGB: Greens, Greys, Blues … Actually I use almost all colors, as long as they are bright — I love colorful accessories.
Check out Loli Gil Bea’s designs at Etsy or visit gilbea.com. (Photos courtesy of Loli Gil Bea)
Miss Chic, this is precisely what a Princess needs on a dull and dreary Monday morning! Thank you for such a great post!
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