Jane Austen
Jane Austen was a talented novelist whose observations of society, wit, and unforgettable characters have made her one of the most beloved writers in English literature. Writing in the early 19th century, at a time when women had few opportunities to publish or be taken seriously as authors, Jane carved out a space for herself with novels like Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. Her work offered sharp insights into class, gender, and the limitations placed on women’s lives, all delivered with elegance and irony. Her quiet defiance and literary brilliance continue to inspire readers and writers alike, making her an enduring symbol of female creativity and resilience.
Our embroidery kit allows you to create your own embroidered letter, whether embroidering a message to a loved one, a note to yourself or a beautiful quote of Jane's, we are so excited to see what you create. We would love to see all of your beautiful artworks so remember to post your finished piece on Instagram and tag us @handandlocklondon.
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Lady Harberton
Lady Harberton was a Victorian-era reformer who challenged the restrictive fashion and gender norms of her time through her advocacy for more practical clothing for women. She was very vocal about her hatred of the uncomfortable and impractical clothing of the time that was being designed for women, that hindered their movement and ability to live freely. Her own wardrobe tended to feature flat shoes, knickerbockers and statement hats, which often caused controversy. A passionate cyclist she championed the divided skirt for female cyclists. She was one of a committee of women who set up the Short Skirt League on 1893, their goal was to gradually raise the hemline of skirts so they no longer dragged on the floor. Through fashion and activism, Lady Harberton helped pave the way for modern women's mobility and independence.
For Lady Harberton we of course had to create a gorgeous embroidered bike, with a basket overflowing with flowers and a Short Skirt League flag proudly waving behind it.
Marie Antoinette
Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France before the French Revolution, she was known for her extravagant style and lavish lifestyle. Antoinette became a symbol of royal excess but there was more to her than powdered wigs and ball gowns. Intelligent and politically aware, she navigated a dangerous court life while trying to protect her family and legacy during a time of enormous upheaval. Though vilified in her time and executed at just 37, Marie Antoinette’s image has since been re-examined, and she now stands as a complex figure of femininity, power, and survival in the face of revolution.
To create a kit for Marie Antoinette we drew inspiration from the regal fashions of the time with this intricate embellished floral design.
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Hanae Mori
Hanae Mori, nicknamed 'Madame Butterfly', was a trailblazing Japanese fashion designer whose elegant creations broke cultural and gender boundaries, earning her global recognition in a traditionally Western-dominated industry. As the first Asian woman to be accepted into the prestigious Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris, Morie redefined what it meant to be a designer from the East, blending Japanese artistry with Western silhouettes. Her signature butterfly motif symbolized transformation and grace - fitting for a woman who helped usher in a new era of possibility for women in fashion. With every stitch, Hanae Mori inspired generations to dream beyond borders and embrace both tradition and modernity with pride.
To create a kit for this incredible woman we were inspired by her beautiful designs and bold prints, in particular focusing on the butterfly designs that were often featured in her work.
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Author: Eve Lynch
Image References
Marie Antoinette - ‘Marie Antoinette in a Chemise Dress’ by Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun, 1783 - Metropolitan Museum of Art
Lady Harberton - Image of Florence Wallace Pomeroy, Lady Harberton
Lady Harberton - Cover of Viscountess Harberton's Reasons for reform in dress - British Library, Untold Lives blog
Hanae Mori - Hanae Mori in one of her boutiques in Tokyo in 1970. Photograph: Mondadori/Getty Images
Hanae Mori - Hanae Mori showing some of her designs to Madame Yukawa, the wife of the Japanese ambassador to the UK, at the embassy in London in 1972 - getty images
Jane Austen - An engraving likely derived from a portrait by Jane's sister, Cassandra Austen, c. 1810
Illustrations by Jasmine Ataç, Collages by Eve Lynch
Kit photographs by Rebecca Hope
