Animalesque

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Animalesque

Illustrated, screen-printed and embroidered animal headdresses. Enchanting for both children and adults. Handmade in London. Ship worldwide. www.animalesque.co.uk

24/09/2026

Back in 2018 feeling disconnected with the fabrics I was working with, I decided to trace the origins of pieces of textiles I’d collected and admired over the years.

That journey took me to Gujarat, and to Sufiyan Ismail Khatri, a tenth-generation Ajrakh block-print master. Learning from Sufiyan, and having time to freely explore some of the traditional techniques involved in this time-honoured art form, I became captivated not only by the process, but also by Achadiya cloth — the tablecloths used to protect the print tables. A by-product of the process, they slowly absorb layers of marks, shapes and natural pigments, evolving over time into beautiful textiles in their own right.

I’ve been lucky enough to return to Kutch many times since, continuing to learn from Sufiyan and develop new ways to work with Ajrakh techniques and re-purpose Achadiyas.

So it was so special to see him in London yesterday, talking about and demonstrating his craft at Polly Leonard’s India Trunk Show — and to catch up and talk about future collaborations.

Excited for what’s next 💙

Excited for what’s next 💙

17/09/2026

September has arrived and my little boy started school last week 😆How did that happen?!*

There have been quite a few moments lately that feel like I’m leaving a chapter behind.

But I’m trying to remind myself that when one chapter ends, a new one begins - and September is the perfect time to reset 🍂

The Animalesque studio has taking on a new shape this year, which has given me the opportunity to think about what to carry forward and what to let go of.

So, before I move everything over to my new website, Im having my biggest sale yet of some classic Animalesque pieces.

And what perfect timing for Halloween 🎃

Get UP TO 50% OFF SUMMER HEADDRESSES, LAST-CHANCE PIECES & MORE…

Some of these designs have been with me for years and I’ll be taking a few favourites with me into the next chapter, but saying goodbye to others.

If there’s been an Animalesque piece you’ve had your eye on, now might be the time 🦚🦉🐰🦊🐿️

SHOP THE ANIMALESQUE SALE → link in bio

27/08/2026

One of the first pieces I designed for the Achadiya collection and still one of my favourites 💙

The Indigo Achadiya Jacket is made from repurposed Achadiya cotton combined with natural indigo-dyed Kala cotton — an organic traditionally grown cotton from Kutch.

This relaxed, oversized shape has dropped sleeves, deep patch pockets, a large patchwork of Achadiya across the back and a wide front panel that curves around the neckline, making it an easy piece to throw on and layer throughout the seasons.

And there are only a couple of pieces left!

Modelled here beautifully by meredith Owen and photographed by Jenna Foxton

Head over to the shop to see whats left from this first collection.

20/08/2026

Explore my collection of garments, quilts & textiles...

Alongside my costume pieces, I create garments, quilts and textiles from reclaimed cloth in collaboration with artisans in Kutch, Gujarat, and pattern cutters and makers in Cornwall.

Working with the traditionally sustainable craft practices of indigo dyeing, Ajrakh block printing and Suf embroidery, we transform overlooked materials into contemporary pieces that celebrate heritage, craftsmanship and connection.

This first collection was shaped by discarded Achadiya cloths—cotton tablecloths collected over many years from Ajrakh block-printing workshops in Kutch. By reimagining existing traditions and resources, we’ve re-worked these beautiful textiles into timeless garments, quilts and textile hangings that balance utility with beauty.

Nothing goes to waste. Every offcut is saved and transformed through patchwork, quilting, hand embroidery and visible mending, with even the smallest remnants becoming quilts, cushions and textile artworks.

By working resourcefully with what already exists, I aim to create contemporary textiles that honour their past while becoming part of someone else’s story for years to come.

Explore the collection via the shop link in my bio, or get in touch to discuss a commission or collaborations 💙

19/08/2026

I’ve just finished reading Elegant Simplicity by Satish Kumar. Such a wise and wonderful man.

I could probably quote the whole book (and I’m sure there’ll be more to come!), but this one struck a chord.

I can’t recommend this book enough 💙

01/08/2026

I’ve been designing and making animal headdresses and costume pieces since starting Animalesque in 2012.

The fabric has always been the starting point - working with reclaimed materials from theatre wardrobes and fashion houses, discarded textiles, vintage finds and carefully gathered materials from textile travels.

Combing my illustration, screen print and hand embellishment, I enjoy piecing these fabrics and stories they hold together, and transforming them into costume pieces that share the history of the cloth but give them a new life.

Over the years I’ve been making small batch collections inspired by the seasons to sell on my website shop and boutique shops worldwide, as well as working on collaborations for dance, theatre, film and editorial projects.

As my practice evolves, I’ll be creating fewer ready-to-buy collections, to make more space and time to take in more bespoke commissions and collaborations.

If you’re developing a theatre or dance production, styling an editorial shoot, creating a film, or dreaming up something deeply personal for a ceremony get in touch, I’d love to help bring your vision to life.

Here are a few favourite pieces from past projects… ✨

23/07/2026

Only a few pieces left from the Achadiya Collection I

I’m so grateful for the response to these garments. These were the very first pieces of Achadiya cloth that I collected and repurposed—the textiles that sparked the entire Studio Astray journey. They taught me to see beauty in the unexpected and inspired a new way of making, rooted in renewal, heritage and collaborative craft.

I’m slowly tinkering away on the next collection, but no two fabrics are ever the same. Each piece of Achadiya cloth carries its own history, colours and marks of use, so these garments can never be re-created.

There are just a handful of pieces left from this first collection, which is incredibly dear to my heart, so if you’ve been thinking about adding one to your wardrobe, now is your chance to own a truly one-of-a-kind piece.

Perfect for slow summer days by the sea or pool, and transition effortlessly into evening wear, these versatile pieces are made to be worn, loved and lived in for years to come… 💙

Gorgeous images by Jenna Foxton and modelled beautifully by artist meredith owen 💙

22/07/2026

People often ask where my fabrics come from - here’s a bit about the materials, people and collaborations that shape my practice...

I design in response to availability rather than sourcing materials to fit a predetermined design.
Working with theatre surplus, post-production block print table cloths (Achadiya) and vintage silk saris, alongside organic and naturally dyed textiles, the limitations and accidental outcomes become the creative driver. Every garment, quilt and textile evolves from what’s available, guided by colour, pattern, texture, the history of the cloth and what textile suggests.

My practice has been shaped by the collaborations and relationships I’ve nurtured with artisans, makers and textile communities over many years. From block print, natural dye and embroidery communities in Kutch, to tailors, pattern cutters and makers in London and Cornwall, the work continues to evolve through shared knowledge, exchanged skills and collaborative making. Together we explore new possibilities within existing sustainable traditions and resources, transforming overlooked materials into contemporary, meaningful and durable designs.

If you’re interested in collaborating, whether you’re an artisan, designer, curator or creative organisation—I’d love to hear from you.

Or, if you’d like to explore the pieces that have grown from these collaborations, head over to the shop via the link in my bio 💙

14/07/2026

Festival season is almost here and my studio is filling with sparkles, pom-poms and colour 🌈✨

As we settle into the summer season where fields fill with music, art and dance, I always find myself reflecting on why festivals matter so much.

They are rituals as much as celebrations. A chance to step away from everyday life, dance barefoot beneath the sun, moon and stars, delve into the dressing-up box and step into another version of ourselves.

For a few precious days, costume becomes more than clothing. It becomes permission to play, transform, move together, and let go!

Whether you’re drawn to tropical colour with our joyful Solstice Owls and Disco Ball Flamingos, the romance of woodland foxes and rabbits, or something a little more elegant with our gold Amulet Owls and White Sequin Swans, we’ve stocked the shop with festival favourites ready to adorn your Summer outfits!

Heres a glimpse of whats in stock, and some of the festival creatures taking shape in the studio ...

Shop the Animalesque collection via the link in bio.

08/07/2026

This space is changing...

For 15 years I’ve been building Animalesque.
A small independent studio, creating screen-printed & embroidered headdresses for theatre, dance, editorials, festivals & ceremonies.

Working with reclaimed materials, from theatre wardrobes, fashion houses & old textiles, the fabrics have always guided the design process.

This work has led to some incredible collaborations including the Royal Opera House, Broadway’s Marquis Theatre, Vogue, as well as with museums, dancers, performers & photographers all around the world.

It’s been such a joy watching these pieces travel far beyond my studio, inspiring celebration, movement & play.

Animalesque has given me the opportunity to explore ways of transforming old, surplus and discarded textiles into something new & meaningful that share the stories of their past, while giving them a new life.

But somewhere along the way I got lost!
The fast pace of making.
The increasing pressure to produce more for less.
And watching ideas I’d spent years developing become quickly & cheaply replicated, left me feeling exhausted, defeated & disconnected from the material & work I wanted to make.

This led me back to India. By tracing the origins of fabric swatches tucked into my sketchbooks, I travelled to Kutch, to learn alongside master artisans and reconnect with slow, sustainable textile making.

It was here that Studio Astray was born. Working in creative collaboration with artisans to re-purpose post-production fabric waste, through traditionally sustainable textile practices.

For the last few years I’ve been running Animalesque and Studio Astray separately, but have come to realise they’re simply two expressions of the same practice.

I felt it was the right time to bring it all together.

So this space is evolving into
SARA LOWES STUDIO

I’ll still be making headdresses for theatre, bespokecommission & limited edition collections, as well as one-off & small batch collections of garments, quilts & textiles.

Thank you for being here, whether you’ve followed since the early days of Animalesque, or just arrived. I’m excited to explore this next chapter with you 💙

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London

Website

http://www.animalesque.co.uk/

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