School of Design Textile Design
Josie Henderson
As a textile artist specialising in weave, my practice is rooted in the exploration of luxury, craftsmanship, and materiality. I create bespoke, high-end woven textiles that celebrate glamour, opulence, and the tactile richness of fabric. My work is driven by a deep appreciation for traditional weaving techniques, which I reinterpret through a contemporary lens to produce pieces that are both timeless and strikingly modern.
Working primarily with sumptuous materials—such as silks, metallic threads, and fine cotton—I focus on creating textiles that evoke elegance and exclusivity. Embellishment plays a central role in my process, whether through hand-applied techniques, intricate patterning, or the thoughtful integration of unexpected textures. Each piece I produce is meticulously crafted, with an emphasis on detail, refinement, and sensory allure.
I see textiles not only as a medium but as a language—one that communicates beauty, identity, and intention. My practice often explores the intersection of fashion, interior design, and art, positioning woven textiles as both functional and decorative, narrative and experiential. Whether for couture garments, one-of-a-kind installations, or bespoke interiors, my work is designed to elevate the everyday through luxury and transform materials into objects of desire.
Ultimately, my aim is to preserve and evolve the tradition of weaving within a contemporary framework, offering a fresh perspective on what textile art can be. By fusing craftsmanship with conceptual depth, I invite viewers and users to experience textiles as dynamic, glamorous, and enduring expressions of artistry.
GLAMHSA
My work is deeply inspired by my personal connection to Irish dancing—a formative part of my identity that continues to influence my creative practice. Through textile design, I explore the rich visual and emotional language of my former dance career, translating its vibrancy, ceremony, and tradition into contemporary woven and embellished forms. The costumes, performances, and rituals associated with Irish dance are central to my process, particularly the ornate and theatrical qualities that define the aesthetics of competitive Irish dancing.
I draw from the highly decorative nature of Irish dance costumes, which are celebrated for their bold colours, opulent textures, and intricate embellishments. Elements such as curly wigs, glittering medals, layered fabrics, and lavish embroidery are not only symbolic but deeply personal, representing years of dedication, competition, and celebration. These items serve as both physical references and emotional anchors—touchstones for memory and storytelling that allow me to explore the themes of identity, tradition, and transformation.
My practice is grounded in meticulous craftsmanship and technical precision. I create detailed textile samples that are designed for high-end fashion and women’s tailoring, placing a strong emphasis on surface quality, structure, and refinement. Through layered construction, hand-embellishment, and the use of luxury materials, I develop textiles that evoke the glamour, prestige, and drama of performance. These works are not only decorative but deeply narrative, conveying a sense of nostalgia while celebrating strength and heritage.
By combining traditional weaving techniques with modern fashion sensibilities, I aim to bridge the past and present—transforming personal memories into tactile, wearable art. Each piece becomes a vehicle for storytelling, allowing the viewer or wearer to experience the richness and intricacy of Irish dance through a contemporary, couture-focused lens. Ultimately, my work is about elevating memory into material form—expressing a unique narrative of glamour, artistry, and cultural identity through every stitch, bead, and thread.
Extending Design – Trimmings
This project explores how materials and embellishments can be used to create decorative textile pieces inspired by the glamour of Irish dance. I started by making “texture wraps” influenced by the sparkle and detail found in dance costumes—using beads, diamantés, shiny threads, and metallic elements. I experimented with a range of materials, including trimmings, yarns, and reflective components, to create layered collages and wraps. I focused on textures and surfaces, using a colour palette of gold, silver, iridescent, and other shiny finishes to reflect the theme of glamour. From this, I developed a series of embellished textile trimmings designed to be worn as fashion accessories. These trimmings are made to add detail, texture, and interest to garments. They also act as alternatives to traditional jewellery, offering a more tactile and creative way to style fashion pieces.
