The latest photoshoot at our London showroom resulted in much more than great images. It brought the work of Wendy Morrison and womenswear brand Skylence together, highlighting many harmonious connections between two unique designers.
With a passion for storytelling and traditional craft, both designers are inspired by nature, art, history, architecture, culture and symbolism. Both also have a passion for colour, pattern and intricate detail - and neither is afraid to be bold with them.
Meeting of minds
‘I was introduced to Skylence by stylist Alice Hare, whilst planning a photoshoot for our Terry de Havilland collaboration launch,’ Wendy explains. ‘I immediately loved the clothes and now struggle to find anything that compares!’
Launched in London in 2019, Skylence, named after its female founder, is a luxurious brand that blends Eastern and Western influences, using traditional craftsmanship in modern, wearable designs.
‘The brand name comes from my Chinese name, Tianmo,’ the Shanghai-born designer explains. ‘Tian means sky and ‘Mo’ means silence, so I combined their English translations to create Skylence.‘The name is rooted in Confucian philosophy, from a saying that can be translated as: The sky is high without needing to speak, and the earth is vast without needing to proclaim.‘This philosophy embodies the idea of quiet strength, wisdom and elegance,’ she says. ‘My designs embrace this concept – graceful yet powerful, understated yet impactful.’
Stories to share
Both Wendy Morrison and Skylence designs share stories through intricate details, rich symbolism, and glorious colour and pattern, using hand-stitched, delicate embroidery to bring designs to life.
‘Wendy has an incredible ability to layer opulent colours, delicate patterns, and meaningful motifs that feels elegant and expressive.’ Skylence says. ‘She interprets Eastern elements so well in her designs, striking a beautiful balance between tradition and modernity.‘Skylence's use of similar motifs was an immediate connection,’ Wendy explains. ‘The beautiful embroidered detail and inspired shapes, the craftsmanship and quality, are all so aligned with what I do.’
Powerful symbolism
Wendy and Skylence both take inspiration from traditional Chinese motifs full of symbolism, while Art Deco style and Chinoiserie influences play a key role too.
For the shoot, Skylence’s jewel-toned dresses and the iconic Phoenix Heritage Trench Coat, in which the phoenix and peony represent rebirth, strength and prosperity, were teamed with a selection of glorious rugs.
Hand-knotted rugs featured include cherry-blossom design Sakura, with her uplifting story of renewal; Phoenix Green, with her central phoenix representing the positive, cyclical nature of life; gold, Renaissance, with her sumptuous butterfly and periwinkle repeat pattern; elegant neutral Solace, inspired by intricate embroidery; Eternal Toile, which is full of symbols for a long and happy life; as well as multi-colour herringbone design Shanghai Blossom hand-tufted runner; and luxurious, maximalist Kimono Gold hand-tufted rug, with her glorious cranes soaring above peonies, chrysanthemums and a bold gold-striped backdrop.
A positive energy runs through these hand-crafted rugs and clothes. These are pieces to fall in love with, that will always make you smile.
‘I absolutely love the Shanghai Blossom Rug,’ Skylence says. ‘Intricate floral patterns and rich colours create such a sense of elegance and storytelling. The way Wendy captures the beauty of nature with a touch of Chinese influence mirrors the way I incorporate embroidery and cultural motifs into Skylence's designs.’
‘We clearly have the same influences,’ Wendy explains. ‘Skylence's clothes complement our rugs perfectly. Until now, I could spend a lot of time trying finding the right garments to accessorise a rug, but, as you can see from the imagery, it is now very easy!
‘It’s difficult to choose a favourite from the Skylence collection,’ Wendy says, ‘although I was instantly drawn to the beautifully made Yellow Crane Long Dress, while the Peony Print Regal Dress is equally beautiful.
‘I wore the Qipao Short Dress for the Terry de Havilland shoot and felt completely at ease, so comfortable and so special with her asymmetrical shape and embroidered blossom details. And the Pink Crane Serenity Dress is just perfect in every way, particularly the embroidery detail.’
Cultural connection
‘Both our designs tell stories through intricate details, rich texture and a strong connection to Chinese heritage,’ SKYLENCE adds. ‘We create pieces that feel timeless yet modern, blending traditional influences with a fresh perspective.
‘We both appreciate the beauty of cultural traditions but find ways to reinterpret them in a contemporary way. Our designs are not just about aesthetics – they create an experience and evoke a strong emotional connection for those who wear or live with them.’
