Saima Majid Textiles

Textile design has always been a fascination of mine and how people find inspiration to create completely unique patterns. So when textile designer Saima Majid got in touch recently I was keen to find out how she works and develops her designs.

Saima comes from a strong background in textiles and fashion and after a long career in London designing for brands including Laura Ashley, Monsoon and Alexandalexa.com, she decided to launch her own range of digitally printed scarves.  She described how she finds inspiration and the process of defining patterns and colours.

“The first stage in the design process is generating a theme/inspiration board and colour palette. For SS16 the theme is Nostalgia, based on memories and the romance of faraway places. The inspiration board remains the reference point throughout the development process. Scarves are then designed by layering hand drawn as well as sourced digital imagery, using computer aided design. Objects are manipulated to create interesting textures and vivid colour combinations.

There is often an aspect of symmetry to the design layouts inspired my love of architecture, in particular Moorish and Persian. The background of the scarves are an important element and these can range from contemporary 1950’s graphic polka dots to traditional marbling techniques. Once a design is complete it is sent to be digitally printed using high tech printers, which allow for millions of colours and photographic images that really bring the design to life. The current collections have been printed onto a blend of cashmere and modal, delicately finished with hand rolled hems.”

My favourite in the Nostalgia collection is the ‘Bettie’ which includes imagery of the beach and seaside, the scarves are beautifully soft and the colours truly vibrant. Take a look at the full collection at Saima Majid where you can also buy online.