IN 2011 BBC CHILDREN IN NEED LAUNCHED THE DESIGNER PUDSEY COLLECTION. THIS SAW 14 DESIGNERS RESTYLE THE CHARITY’S ICONIC YELLOW BEAR. RAISING OVER £50,000, THE INAUGURAL COLLECTION CAUGHT THE ATTENTION OF THE PRESS, FASHION WORLD AND PUBLIC ALIKE: GOING ON TO BE VOTED ONE OF THE INDEPENDENT’S ‘TOP 15 FASHION MOMENTS OF THE YEAR’. THE PROJECT FAR EXCEEDED THE CHARITY’S EXPECTATIONS.Curated by LOVE editor and stylist Katie Grand, The Designer Pudsey 2012 Collection builds on last year’s success. Over 30 international and British designers have made a 28″ bear in their own inimitable style.
Each one unique, this stunning collection has seen the great and the good of fashion focusing their creative flair, individual approach, and occasional humour on Britain’s best-loved bear.
2012 sees Pudsey fashioned with a variety of different fabrics and techniques. From suede to leather, silk to Swarovski Crystals, the diverse designs reflect the creativity and breadth of the fashion industry.
Rainbows of colour from the world’s catwalks are reflected in this year’s ensemble. From the elegant restraint of Smythson’s powder-blue creation to the tinsel, gold and glitter of Hindmarch’s AW12 inspired bear. Signature fabrics, prints and motifs abound with McQueen’s Floral Pudsey; Sibling’s Punk Pudsey and Prada’s Schoolboy Pudsey all informed by contemporary collections. The unparalleled heritage of Gucci is embodied in their Equestrian Pudsey and Burberry’s English Gentleman Pudsey sports their iconic trench coat.
Classic to cutting edge, avant-garde to traditional: The Collection is a visually stunning representation of the diverse talent involved in this year’s project.
The star-studded 2012 line-up includes: Burberry, Vivienne Westwood, Paul Smith, Loewe, Sibling, Mulberry, Giles Deacon made with Swarovski Elements, Katie Hillier, Henry Holland, Louis Vuitton, Jonathan Saunders, Selfridges, Alexander McQueen, Smythson, Victoria Beckham, Prada, Donatella Versace, Missoni, Pucci, Gucci, Norton and Sons, Diane Von Furstenberg, Fendi, Balenciaga, Anya Hindmarch, Vogue, GQ, Kate Spade New York and Tom Ford.
Before making its way to Christie’s for auction the Collection was displayed in Selfridges, allowing the public the opportunity to view these beautiful creations first hand. Many of the Bears also made a cameo in Selfridges’ famous Christmas windows.
The 2012 Designer Pudsey Collection is an example of how designers really are making a difference to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. BBC Children in Need sends a big thank you to everyone involved in bringing this rather fabulous collection together.