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Pudsey is not an obvious fashion icon but this year, everything has changed. Gone is the fuzzy yellow fur and the spotty bandage, this year Pudsey has had a make over. Pudsey has gone couture.
In a collaboration with 11 of the most coveted designers on the British fashion scene, including the prestigious British brand Mulberry, the BBC have redesigned the traditional Pudsey bear bringing him into the 21st Century. The 11 bears, which are now on display at Liberty, are an array of tartan (Patrick Grant), leather (Mulberry) and Swarovski crystals (Giles Deacon) and yesterday, three new additions have joined the collection. Topshop Unique, Louis Vuitton and Pringle have joined the teddy bear’s picnic at Liberty bringing with them bespoke leather suitcases (Louis Vuitton), charm necklaces (Topshop Unique) and cashmere cardigans with diamond buttons (Pringle).
Tradition has been completely swept away and this playful take on fashion has really rejuvenated the Children In Need charity, bringing it to the centre of media attention. As you have seen in our previous post, the Pudsey bears are also going to be auctioned off with the proceeds going to Children In Need. Don’t worry though as you can still catch them on display at Liberty, where they will be until the 19th November 2011.
The BBC were lucky enough to meet the designers and interview them on the design process for the new Pudsey bears…
GILES:
Why did you decide to get involved with this project for BBC Children in Need?
I think anything I can do to make a difference to help the lives of children in the UK can only be a good thing
What was the inspiration for your design?
Inspiration was taken from my Spring/Summer 2012 collection making Pudsey into a silver leather dream machine
What materials did you decide to use for your Bear?
I used silver leather, Pudsey has a silver studded eye, and a hand stitched Swarovski Elements crystal eye patch and his fringing is made of bound leather and a plaited trim
Did you enjoy working on this project?
Yes Pudsey was great to work with and not as much of a diva as I had thought
The House of Holland
Why did you decide to get involved with this project for BBC Children in Need?
Children in Need is such a great cause and Pudsey is such an iconic character – I loved the idea of putting the House of Holland stamp on him.
What was the inspiration for your design?
When we made Pudsey we were in the midst of preparation for the SS12 show and we were feeling a punk aesthetic so decided to punk up Pudsey.
What materials did you decide to use for your Bear?
100% wool House of Holland house tartan
What does BBC Children in Need mean to you?
I grew up watching Children in Need on TV and seeing the amazing work that they do – supporting the charity was a no-brainer
Did you enjoy working on this project?
Yes immensely
Grace Molan
