Iron on patches always seemed to be reserved for mum’s trying to make their children’s clothes last that little bit longer. Two women have decided to use this everyday medium to turn simple and mundane clothing into incredible works of art.
Itchy Scratchy Patchy is the new idea from artist Christabel MacGreevy and model Edie Campbell. The quirky collection of iron-on patches set out to allow people to turn their everyday jeans and t-shirts into unique works of art that explore social stereotypes. In Campbell’s words, “a lot of mainstream fashion has become quite clinical and minimal, but we love clothes that have a story”. Each patch is lovingly stitched and hand designed by the dynamic duo.
From a simple conversation about how they used to customise their clothes when they were younger, the idea of Itchy Patchy Scratchy grew. Their first collection was centred on Britain and some of its more quirky stereotypes. From ‘the philosopher’ which features a bald man with a beer belly to ‘the pole dancer’ which features a much curvier dancer than that of the common stereotype, the first collection is cheeky and unique as it strives to bring back individuality to DIY clothing. The second collection moves forward with the same ethos while also incorporating traditional 18th century embroidery. The second collection features florals, which are stitched onto larger organza patches. Instead of your everyday perky roses and daisies the pair have chosen wilted marigolds and weeds like stinging nettles as well as snakes and centipedes.
“Patches are historically about rebellion or identity. As you get older there stops being so much to rebel against, I think that’s why patches have such a youthful feel to them” – Christabel MacGreevy
They have been gaining great ground in the world of fashion with stars like Courtney Love, Kendall Jenner and Cara Delevingne adorning their clothes in these amazing patches. As well as producing these amazing patches, the pair has teamed up with Levi and Sunspel to create patched, stitched and painted denim and tees for the Dover Street Market. Each of the pieces will be pulled out of the archives of Levi and Sunspell and made unique with hand painting stitching and patching, they will be one off pieces. “We’re treating the project as a kind of manifesto, using it to communicate what Itchy Scratchy Patchy stands for and the ideas we had in mind when we started out. It’s about customisation, and that DIY spirit.” said Edie Campbell.
Can’t wait to see what quirky and cheeky designs their next collection will include.