Ellen McGrath exhibits at Harrods

Ellen McGrath, a member since 2009, founded her design company, Anzu (Japanese for apricot) a decade earlier. She has created illustrations for clients including Guerlain, Jo Malone, Harvey Nichols and Bergdorf Goodman, and she’s the official illustrator of the Berkley Hotel.

Next stop is Harrods, again. “My company, Anzu, has been supplying Harrods with our stationery products, which feature images of everything from sunglasses to teacups to peonies, for about 10 years. Harrods also happens to be one of my favourite stores, particularly the shoe section where I currently have my eye on some Lara Bohinc gold python shoes!”

The 1st of September launched Ellen’s ‘Bejewelled’ exhibition of limited edition prints. “The exhibition is from the 1st September to the 1st October in the  Writing room,” explains Ellen when asked for how long and where it will be available for viewing.

Ellen is known for her finely detailed designs and her hand-painted illustrations blend high couture and cutting edge fashion. She uses gouache, a watercolour favoured by Persian and Indian miniature artists.

Indulgent and decadent, the limited edition collection at Harrods comprises sumptuous jewellery paintings inspired by vintage 1920s jewellery, Maharani's rubies, Josephine Bonaparte's jewels, and medieval gold heart lockets. Each print is hand-decorated with Swarovski crystals and signed by Ellen.

When asked what she is doing for London Fashion Week, Ellen says, “As I am someone who is completely drawn to pattern, I am looking forward to Holly Fulton's, Erdem's and Mary Katrantzou's shows. They are all producing such unique distinctive prints. I am also booked in for a sneaky little pret-a-porter at the Berkeley!”