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My Passion Project: Langley Fox

Words: Chekii Harling

The LA-based style icon and artist on rediscovering her love for embroidery upcycling and the importance of patience when trying something new.

NEOUS FLORAE HEELED SANDAL
NEOUS FLORAE HEELED SANDAL
Photography: Mary Blanket Peffer

With our busy lifestyles on hold, many of us have a bit more time to return to the creative endeavours we may have previously left on the backburner. Spend just a few minutes on Instagram and you’ll notice that, collectively, we’re cooking more, creating more art and partaking in more online challenges than ever before.

Here at Selfridges, we’re celebrating the freedom of living in the moment by practising new hobbies, rediscovering old skills and embracing new ways to be sustainable. To launch our new series celebrating passion projects, we spoke to model and artist Langley Fox about rekindling her love of embroidery and the simple joy of upcycling. 

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NEOUS FLORAE HEELED SANDAL

What inspired you to start embroidery again? 
I’ve dipped in and out of embroidery for years, but quarantining lit a fuse for me to really concentrate on it. I find embroidering relaxes me in times of anxiety, as I’m sure many others would agree. It’s something that keeps me busy while I listen to my books on tape. 

NEOUS FLORAE HEELED SANDAL

How would you describe the aesthetic of your embroidered pieces? 
I wouldn’t claim to be a master at this, in the least. I’ve just been adding little words or phrases to my clothing and sneakers in a simple split-stitch line. Many things have been Covid themed, such as “ANXIETY” and “ISOLATION”, but I’ve also made some HAPPY/SAD and YEP/NOPE shoes.

 

At the end of all this, maybe something will come of it, but for now, it’s just a simple, pleasurable act.

– Langley Fox

NEOUS FLORAE HEELED SANDAL
NEOUS FLORAE HEELED SANDAL
Photography: Mary Blanket Peffer

Where do you see this project going in the future? 
For now, it’s a way to stay busy and sane during idle times. My favourite part of this process is that I’ve started taking items from friends and then gifting them back with a little handmade something added. It’s my own take on still being a part of my community and sharing safely, as I’m probably not going to whip out any banana breads at this point. At the end of all this, maybe something will come of it, but for now, it’s just a simple, pleasurable act.

As an artist, you usually work with pen and pencil to create 2D drawings. What do you like about working with fabric? 
My drawings are generally very controlled and need a lot of concentration when trying to make something photorealistic. Working on fabric with thread is almost meditative. I wouldn’t say they’re similar, but I feel like I’m doing something creative that you get to wear, which is an added bonus.

Langley's WFH Wardrobe 

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NEOUS ROSSI SLINGBACK HEELED SANDAL

How has this period of slow down and reflection changed the way you create? 
I finished my last small, ballpoint-pen drawing of a group of grumpy clowns at the very beginning of this adventure and had to change something as I felt drawing the tiny lines was making me almost sick. Since then, I’ve been sketching every day with oil pastels in colour, which is very unlike me. It’s very freeing and organic; I’m both curious and excited to see where it leads. I don’t think this would have happened if it weren’t for being quarantined.

What advice would you give to those who are keen to start their own personal projects? 
The only advice is to just start. Don’t overthink it or get scared by it; something is always better than nothing. You’re not going to create a masterpiece right away so remember to be patient when starting something new.

How has this period of slow down and reflection changed the way you create? 
I finished my last small, ballpoint-pen drawing of a group of grumpy clowns at the very beginning of this adventure and had to change something as I felt drawing the tiny lines was making me almost sick. Since then, I’ve been sketching every day with oil pastels in colour, which is very unlike me. It’s very freeing and organic; I’m both curious and excited to see where it leads. I don’t think this would have happened if it weren’t for being quarantined.

NEOUS ROSSI SLINGBACK HEELED SANDAL

What advice would you give to those who are keen to start their own personal projects? 
The only advice is to just start. Don’t overthink it or get scared by it; something is always better than nothing. You’re not going to create a masterpiece right away so remember to be patient when starting something new.

 

It’s very freeing and organic. I’m both curious and excited to see where it leads.

– Langley Fox

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