This 100% silk fynbos shawl shows an ostrich in a fynbos landscape, the semi mountainous terrain and flora of the South African Cape province.
Find out more about fynbos here.
This shawl contains a host of complimentary pastel shades which will delight you and additionally goes well with pale coloured clothing. Being both long and wide, you can wrap up warm and snug against the worst wind. You can see the full range of Daina Wilson Arcana designed shawls available from Abrahams Store here.
Dancer Duncan’s Dreadful Demise.
A warning for those who love scarves and open top cars. Outrageous dancer Isadora Duncan met a tragic end in 1927 while out for a joy ride in an Amilcar CGSS. French/Italian racing driver Benoit Falcetto was driving and Isadora’s scarf got caught in the back wheels (some say axle). Thrown from the car, she died of either strangulation or from the impact on the road. She led an extrordinary life for the time and bent convention in almost everything she did. Although born an American she died a Soviet Citizen and at times dabbled with the occult and communism. Tragedy seemed to follow her. Her father died in a ship wreck, and her three children, each with different fathers and out of wedlock, all died young. Nonetheless with her free style of dancing, far from the rigours of ballet, she set the Edwardian world ablaze and worldwide fame followed.
About the designer
Diana Wilson’s of love costume jewellery started her on the path to becoming a truly innovative UK surface print designer. With a sound business ethic she has grown her brand into a successful enterprise while remaining true to her ideals. Inspired since childhood by the Pre-Raphaelites, whose influence can be felt in some designs, she is also fascinated by the Tudor period. Research and the evolving resultant design are still very much a solitary activity for Diana. Living in Bath, a monument to neo- classical Georgian style where design rises above mere functionality, she gains daily inspiration. She also cites ancient ruins like Pompeii, Herculaneum and Ostia as inspirational and additionally the charms of Aquae Sulis (Bath in Roman times) come into the mix.
Each new design is a challenge to the beholder, posing questions that may be only answered in the imagination. Diana’s brand is Diana Wilson Arcana with Arcana underpinning the element of mystery inherent in the designs. Indeed as she puts it “I’m interested in legends, myths and things that go bump in the night!”. At Abrahams Store we love the enigma and are thrilled to be able to offer shawls, cushions, bags and cards.
With a love of history and something of a world traveller, Diana finds inspiration wherever she goes. With this in mind, she is happiest making things which is why, presumably, her designs are so esoteric.
