Plum and Pigeon: a label to inspire you

Current graduates all over the country are struggling to get employment. If you’ve graduated with a design subject such as textiles or fashion it’s even harder to get a job. However, one graduate has shown how starting your own label is the way forward.

Rose Halstead’s journey started in 2009 when she graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University after studying Textile Design for Fashion. This led her to do a placement with fashion designer Netty Ratti helping to make embroidered T-shirts and jumpers. However, in 2011 Rose started going to local dressmaking courses, where she learnt lots of sewing techniques, pattern making skills and much more. With these skills she began to make her own dresses and tops and slowly started to sell them on Folksy and at vintage fairs in her spare time. Developing her skills as a dressmaker has paid off as Rose now makes all the garments at No.16, the Downs, Altrincham (a shop which rents out spaces to small businesses) where she also sells them. Rose also sells her designs online at Folksy and Etsy.

If you love prints you will love the garments available at Plum and Pigeon. Fans of Cath Kidston will want at least one of the dresses available. Whether you prefer the blue polka dot dress or want something a bit floral, like the green floral dress, these are dresses to invest in. If a dress is too much for you then this floral shirt might be for you. However, if you do buy one of these printed pieces, it’s probably best you don’t wear your Cath Kidston bag at the same time – print overkill. 

Rose is clearly inspired by vintage fabrics and shapes. “I am mainly inspired by old patterns from the 40/50s, and I like to combine that style with current trends. I go to vintage fairs, look through magazines and new collections for ideas and design dresses and tops that are feminine and timeless so people can get lots of wear out of the garments.” What’s admirable is that Rose is extremely passionate about her clothing being handmade to a high standard as well as using good quality fabrics. “I aim to produce clothing that is long lasting, at affordable prices.” If a current clothing label understands the importance of long lasting garments, it shows that we could potentially move away from disposable fashion in the next five to ten years. 

Jenny Rodgers

This is a graduate who has put the hard work in. She hasn’t let the current climate affect her ability to be successful. Surely that is a reason to visit her website here and buy at least one of her dresses.