Elizabeth Ashdown and Samuel & Sons proudly unveil Kaleidoscope, the first collection collaboration with acclaimed UK-based passementerie artist Elizabeth Ashdown.
A celebration of craftsmanship and colour, this contemporary range of cords, borders, and fringes reimagines the rich heritage of passementerie through a fresh, dynamic lens. In this vibrant collection, Elizabeth bridges the timeless art of passementerie with modern design sensibilities, creating pieces that are as energetic as they are elegant.
Carefully crafted through traditional hand techniques, Kaleidoscope redefines passementerie with an energetic and playful approach, while remaining true to the legacy of the craft.
Each piece in the collection represents hours of meticulous handwork, reflecting Elizabeth’s mastery of her art.
Developed through extensive creative exploration, every pattern was designed by hand, transforming centuries-old techniques into a celebration of modern artistry.
“My Kaleidoscope collection is a stunning celebration of the joyful and energetic combination of colour and craft. Developed through extensive creative exploration, each pattern was entirely designed by hand using traditional passementerie making techniques. The collection showcases a contemporary, energetic, and playful approach to passementerie whilst honouring the heritage of the craft.”
Inspired by the interplay of colour, pattern, scale, and texture, the Kaleidoscope collection is a result of Elizabeth’s deep, yet playful, explorations. With research rooted in patchwork quilts, 1960s Op Art, and the timeless designs of heritage passementerie, the collection reflects a contemporary approach that embraces repetition, colour blocking, and handmade geometry.
Elizabeth’s journey from sketchbook to loom is a story of vibrant creativity. “Each woven combination was born out of a desire to push the boundaries of colour placement and material, resulting in a collection that is as energetic as it is refined,” says Elizabeth. Through a hands-on process of collages, paintings, and embroideries, Kaleidoscope came to life, where craftsmanship and creativity come together in a radiant expression of contemporary passementerie.
