Jane Bowler

Jane's moodboard

What is your name? Jane Bowler


What is the name of your label? Jane Bowler Design studio

Where did you study and when did you graduate? Mixed Media Textiles MA at the Royal College of Art, London. I graduated in June 2010

What inspires you as a textile designer? I am inspired by everyday materials and objects ranging from PVC shower curtains to bath mats. I love experimenting with unexpected materials and processes. The garment that I am entering into FASHIONCLASH, is an extension of my final collection at the RCA. The collection was a witty and sophisticated approach to rainwear , inspired by traditional Japanese straw raincoats alongside a mix of samurai armor and the traditional British mackintosh.



Close-up on the detail



Who is your favorite designer/artist? Why? I love Issey Miyake’s early work, he pushed the boundaries of fashion and textiles, engineering the textiles to create his garments. His new work titled ‘Collection 1325’ which was on show at the barbican just recently was really inspiring alongside works by Junya Watanabe. I think I am attracted to Japanese fashion designers!

What can you bring to FASHIONCLASH Maastricht 2011? A hint of plastic fantastic and a new appreciation for textiles!



Another close-up



How did your experience with design started? When did you decided to be a designer? Why textiles? I had always loved to collect bits and bobs from carboot sales and second hand shops.. I loved searching for unexpected gems and the prospect of transforming unusual materials and objects into something new! When I was little, I always said that when I grew up, I wanted to be an artist and own a sweet shop… I wanted to work as an artist and sell sweets at the same time! Strangely, some people have commented that my recent collection resembles sweets! Matylda from ‘Mat and Me’ Blog called my raincoats… Spaghetti wine gum dresses! Which I love!

I didn’t always want to be a textile or fashion designer… it just kind of happened through my love of materials!

What are your goals concerning your career? What are your ambitions? I am currently working on my new collection which I will be launching this September. Along side my exciting show piece style garments, I am also working on a wearable range which I am looking to launch in stores in the near future. I love what I do, and just hope that other people will love it too!

Edited by Natalia Serwanska

FASHIONCLASH Fashion Procession 2011 participants

In cooperation with Heiligdomsvaart Maastricht and ABK Maastricht, FASHIONCLASH is organizing a Fashion Procession. On 5th June a unique fashion procession will walk through the streets of Maastricht. A procession where the models show creations based on the liturgical garments and textiles.


FASHIONCLASH Fashion Procession participants are: Angelica Fernandez, Akaratos, Alexandra Dohmen, Anneke Bloemers, Bernadette van de Braak, Branko Popovic, Chantal Veugen, Danielle Vroemen, Delikatessen, Els Boeren, Ingeborg Meulendijks, Jessica Crescioni, Larisa Katz Linda Friesen, Marc de Vree, Merle Anderson, Marjolijn van de Ven, Matylda Krzykowski, Nawie Kuiper, Natascha Waeyen, Nicole Michniewski, Nora Juliette, Silvana Erdas, Sonja Schödel, Veronica Vartic.

Nicole Michniewski

Danielle Vroemen

Els Boeren

FASHIONCLASH Fashion Procession 2011

In cooperation with the Heiligdomsvaart and ABK Maastricht FASHIONCLASH organizes a Fashion Procession, a procession where models are showing the creations of liturgical vestments in a parade through the city of Maastricht and accompanied by live music.


Designers and artists from all disciplines will participate in this unique project.
FASHIONCLASH, Maastricht's youngest event, in cooperation with Heiligdomsvaart, Maastricht's oldest event.


Heiligdomsvaart takes place once in 7 year. This year the 54th edition will take place. The first went through Maastricht in 1391, the last in 2004. In a sanctuary in a procession relics (clothing, objects or remains) of the saints are presented to the people. Heiligdomsvaart Maastricht is the most famous in the Netherlands and attracts many visitors. A rich cultural program of which this year FASHIONCLASH Fashion Procession is a component is composed around the event.
For more info: http://www.heiligdomsvaartmaastricht.nl


The assignment: The liturgical garments and textiles are the starting point for the creations/ designs.


In the treasuries of the great Roman Catholic churches in Maastricht beautiful textiles collections are stored and collected over the centuries. Especially for the participants in this project the church will reveal these treasures so they can serve as inspiration.


Examples include the models of the chasubles, with various fashions (so-called violin casket from Rich Roman life or beautiful Art Deco chasubles). Or the different meanings of the colours of the liturgical clothing (e.g. yellow for Easter and purple for Advent and fasting).


The Fashion Procession is presented on Sunday, June 5^th (shopping Sunday) via a route through the city of Maastricht.  In addition, the creations (or a part of the creations) will be presented on the catwalk (during the opening night) and in the exposition of the multidisciplinary fashion event FASHIONCLASH Maastricht 2011 (10 to June 12).


Images from the lecture/tour.
Historian Jac van den Boogaard gave a lecture / tour around the textiles in the Roman Catholic Church, a special kick-off of the assignment of this project. 

FASHIONCLASH Fashion Procession is made possible by Hogeschool Zuyd and BV Limburg / Zicht op Maastricht.

pictures: Branko Popovic