Every October, Frieze Masters brings a wonderful buzz to London and at Ham Yard Hotel, we love getting involved in the festivities. Our restaurant is transformed for the occasion, with colourful fabrics, bold patterns and plenty of personality. But there is one person who always manages to steal the show: our fabulous hostess, Ije, who looks like a work of art herself in her colourful, handmade outfits.
For several years, Ije has been the welcoming face of our Frieze Masters restaurant, greeting guests with her infectious smile and an outfit every bit as colourful as her surroundings. And the best part? She makes them all herself. Each year, Ije creates a collection of outfits using leftover fabrics from our past design projects. Rather than letting beautiful offcuts go to waste, she gives them a new lease of life, transforming them into one-of-a-kind creations.
From bold botanical prints to intricate embroideries and striking patterns, her wardrobe celebrates colour, creativity and craftsmanship. Many of the fabrics come from our collections with GP & J Baker, Rosebank and Christopher Farr Cloth, making it particularly lovely to see these familiar designs used in such an unexpected way.
Of course, one outfit would never be enough for Ije. Throughout Frieze Masters, she wears a different creation each day, with every look offering something new.
This year was no exception, with flowing skirts, beautifully draped dresses and colourful matching ensembles. We particularly love the way Ije combines patterns and plays with scale, transforming furnishing fabrics into wonderfully wearable pieces. It is always a pleasure to see which creation she will arrive in next. At our Design Studio, we believe in making the most of beautiful materials. Giving leftover fabrics a new purpose is a wonderful way to celebrate their design and Ije’s wardrobe is a brilliant example of just how much can be achieved with a little imagination.
Whether dressing a room or dressing for the occasion, colour, pattern and individuality are always worth celebrating. We are already looking forward to seeing what Ije creates for next year’s Frieze Masters!