THE HEMP ON TOAST STORY

Hi, I'm Ilona.

Clothes and how we wear them has fascinated me since I can remember. Whilst studying for a degree in International Development and Anthropology, I used clothes-making as an antidote to reading. Alongside this I discovered the world of plant dyeing, and stinking dye pots on the hob became part of the kitchen furniture.

Fashion means many things to people. Beyond self expression, for me it's the way we interact with the world around us each day. Hemp On Toast seeks to unite the two, so that our self expression also becomes an expression of care and love for the world around us.

SIMPLICITY

Each Hemp On Toast garment is designed on the principles of simplicity and versatility. Part of the world of fashion's current approach is to appeal to our need for constantly renewing and redefining ourselves. To feel that we are lacking and so need to add.

Hemp on Toast aims to do the opposite. To go back to the basics, to strip away and to appeal to our ability for simplicity. The clothes are intended for day-to-day wear, to fulfil the staples of our clothing needs. And finally, to address the daily need for showing respect and care for the world.

NORWICH COMMUNITY

Living in Norwich as an artist and maker is to be part of a large and vibrant community of creatives. So much inspiration, knowledge and fun comes from my fellow artists here and collaborating with these incredible people has been such an important part of what I do.

I've worked especially closely with George Payne (@designedbygeorge) who's been endlessly generous with her graphic design expertise and motivation.

Photographers Jo Hayes (@theillusionofdepth) and Callum Painter (@callu.mpainter) have used they're unique and disappearing art of film photography to capture the clothes and Norwich scenery so beautifully.

Norwich Farmshare and their energy and belief in working sustainably with the land and community is such a privilege to be a part of. They have also been a continuous fuel for my work, literally and metaphorically, providing me with lots of bits for the dye pot and so much more.