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Explore Artisans Museums & Galleries Experience Itineraries About
©Alun Callender
©Zoe Bradley Design
©Alun Callender
©Alun Callender
©Zoe Bradley Design

Zoe Bradley

  • Paper worker
  • Cowbridge, United Kingdom
  • Master Artisan
Zoe Bradley Paper worker
©Alun Callender

The paper alchemist

  • • Zoe works with paper like a fashion designer
  • • She creates sculptures for luxury brands worldwide
  • • Life and movement are key to her pieces

An apprentice to the late Alexander McQueen, Zoe Bradley soon discovered her love for paper while making showpieces for the Michicko Koshino Autumn-Winter 2005 show, looking for alternatives to fabric. Her imagination was captivated by the immediate and endless opportunities folding, pleating, curling and stitching paper offered. She enjoyed the challenge of creating something unexpected from two-dimensional paper sheets into a magical three-dimensional sculpture. She masters paper cutting and handsculpting, modelling and painting; her creations span from paper flowers and headpieces, to couture gowns and installations for the likes of Liberty's and Sotheby’s. Exploring and interpreting historical costume, fashion and nature; her pieces are created with human emotion, they undergo a journey, carry refinement and are beautifully finished.

Read the full interview

Works

  • ©Zoe Bradley Design
  • ©All rights reserved
  • ©All rights reserved
  • ©All rights reserved
Photo: ©Zoe Bradley Design
Sotheby's Yellow Shoes

This gold embellished pair of shoes is inspired by 16th century garments worn by the Royal Spanish Court. The upper part of the shoes is made from gold metallic paper meticulously scored by hand to imitate silk fabric, along with scroll effect relief work. Miniature florals are applied onto the surface of the shoes for opulent decoration, as well as a large Swarovski crystal buckle.

Length 32 cm
Width 16 cm
Height 20 cm

Photo: ©All rights reserved
Title Gold Crown: Sotheby’s Royal & Noble Auction Exhibition

Highly ornate sculpted crown, created with 3000 individually cut and scored gold leaves and plaited gold paper braid edges. It is heavily adorned with Swarovski crystal in red coral, jet black crystal, crystal cream and rose pearls. The design was based upon a crown of Mary Queen of Scots from the 16th century.

Length 40 cm
Width 40 cm
Height 65 cm

Photo: ©All rights reserved
Red Ruffle Gown: Sotheby’s Royal & Noble Auction Exhibition

Monumental red ruffle paper couture gown featuring a six metre-long train. It is decorated with over 6000 hand sculpted paper ruffles, along with handmade roses. The gown is made regal with the application of hundreds of red coral Swarovski crystals. The dress is made with metallic red paper with an iridescent silk-like finish, fitted onto a steel frame base. The design is a fusion of modern-day couture and an 18th-century court dress.

Length 550 cm
Width 200 cm
Height 250 cm

Photo: ©All rights reserved
Floral Sumer Cloud chandeliers

A pair of floral chandeliers inspired by the cloud sculpture of artist Anish Kapoor. Suspended from 4 hanging points with cascading flowers from the cut-out centre, which form a perfect circle of flowers and 2100 leaves. The chandeliers were designed a blend of wild roses, cherry blossom, lotus flower, fuchsia, peony and wisteria. A vivid palette of lavender, plum, soft pink, golden yellows and warm burnt oranges evoke the summer climate. Each of the paper flowers and leaves are cut by machine, then hand sculpted.

Height 500 cm
Width 250 cm

Enjoy an experience with Zoe Bradley

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