Dean of Dulverton

Nearly since my arrival on Exmoor people of all ages had been saying 'Have you heard of Dean Thomas?' when I mentioned the Exmoor National Dress idea.
Dean is a young fashion designer originally from Dulverton, who made a name for himself at his recent St Martin's degree show, with a collection of superb (and I found out, all his own handiwork) tailoring, based around the theme of Exmoor 'cultural icon' Lorna Doone and using many local materials.
The Collection is on show this week in the town's Guildhall, and the opening night was mobbed, though I managed to get close enough to the pieces to realise that here was a guy who knew his stuff - there's loads of exquisite details that refer to English historic dress, but also a contemporary slant with neon paint and some quite radical cutting.
The next morning I returned to meet Dean there with the hope of talking him into getting involved in my project. His lovely parents were helping clear up the empty wine bottles whilst we chatted, so watch this space to see where we might be able to take it.....

Themes : costume, Exmoor, Dean Thomas, fashion