FAVOURITE SHIRT

Did you ever have an item of clothing that you adored? An item of clothing that you lived in and loved in until it fell off your body? That you wore so often that you memorised every flaw and stain, every bobble and snag from hours of idle study and contemplation? And, as if by magic, you can still recall the feel of it against your skin, even though it has been years since you wore it?

Special garments come and go; they are worn with love and in love.They are remembered for their patterns – from patterns to plaids, from weaves to prints. They are remembered for their texture, a feeling that remains in the mind long after the garment is gone. They are remembered for both embellishments and flaws, from the ladybird buttons on a dressing gown which looked great but were fiddly to fasten, to the tiny hole that has been slowly growing in your jeans until it is now a rather revealing rip.

They may even be remembered for their departure – a sudden loss through theft or forgetfulness, It may have been a happy adieu – the passing on to a loved one, or simply worn into unwearability.

Clothing can evoke memories, not just of textures and smells, but of times and places, parties and people, feelings and emotions.Where would we be without our favourite cardigan on cold dark nights – a handknitted hug in the form of a cardigan, a full-body flanellette massage from hand-me-down pyjamas, even the sensual caress of a silk undergarment.

Do you have an item of clothing that you just can’t bear to part with, even though you know it’s halcyon days are well and truly over? If so, Freaky Styley is here to help you maintain your memories. Subject to consultation and agreement, we can transform your old item into something brand spanking new and totally fabulous. Maybe you’d like an old pair of jeans transformed into a bag. Maybe you’d like your wedding dress turned into a christening outfit. Whether you have something in mind or you have an item but no idea of its potential,drop us a line and we’ll work something out!

For the record, of all the well-loved items to linger in the Freaky Styley wardrobe, the most tragic has to be a 1980s reversible 101 Dalmations sweater – bought new at the then-extravagant price of £25. This double-sided embarrassment is currently in the process of being converted into a quilt.