The Willow skirt started back in 2013 in the 4th Bestowed collection, a lightweight cotton collection designed to survive the hot humid summer weather. It’s an interesting skirt because it’s long with lots of volume and sets of ties inside the side seams to create interesting draping. Originally I added patch pockets to the Willow skirt but then realised that because I use lightweight cottons to make them in, and the skirt had volume they could easily get caught on things and tear the fabric! This happened to me as I walked into the stockroom, past the door handle and rip…. there goes my pocket!
That was when I designed the handy Pocket belts to offer the pocket option but with the Pocket belt the pockets sit flat against the body and don’t become a ripping hazard.
Over the years we have experimented with lots of different fabrications and the Willow skirt has a dedicated following of people who simply love this style. I have a couple of customers who own many versions of the Willow skirt and love layering with it for all seasons. I know that this style isn’t for everyone as it’s long and full, but the people who ‘get it’ really ‘get it’.
As we were looking for new fabric options for future Willow skirts we thought it would be a great idea to write a story about the history of this style and show the many versions we have created over the past 13 years.
Bestowed Collection #4 Summer 2013
Photographed by Todd Hunter McGaw on Amanda Rootsey in Todd’s house.
Below is the 2013 first ever Willow skirt, made from a soft crinkle cotton which was very sheer, so they had a half lining. Also a bright digitally printed cotton option.
Bestowed collection #5 Summer 2014
Photographed by Todd Hunter McGaw on Danni Bonnor at Kingscliff.
In this collection we added a Broderie Anglaise option in black and white as well as the crinkle sheer options again and a surface textured cotton in black.
Bestowed collection #6 Summer 2015
Photographed by Todd Hunter McGaw on Danni Bonnor at the Enoggera Reservoir.
These Willow skirts are made from assorted cottons that are woven to have surface texture.
Bestowed collection #8 summer 2016
Photographed by Todd Hunter McGaw on Madi Spinger at our place at The Gap and a park nearby.
Assorted lightweight cottons including a seersucker textured cotton.
Bestowed collection #10 summer 2017
Photographed by Todd Hunter McGaw on Fanny Nylander at Currumbin beach
Italian striped cotton and surface textured cotton both deadstock fabrics.
Bestowed collection #11 summer 2018
Photographed by Todd Hunter McGaw on Iris Hall at Fox St studio and the beautiful botanical store that used to be next door.
Textured surface white cotton plus grey marle cotton. Also Italian striped purple cotton.
Bestowed collection #11 summer 2019
Photographed by Todd Hunter McGaw on Jess Thomas at a 1800’s farm north west of Brisbane
In this shoot we just added the crisp white Willow skirt.
Bestowed collection #14 winter 2020
Photographed by Todd Hunter McGaw on Amanda Rootsey at my friend Julie’s house The Gap
Bestowed collection #17 summer 2021
Photographed by Todd Hunter McGaw on Amanda Rootsey at Fox St Studios.
This shoot I made a special edition version of the Willow skirt we called the Asteroid skirt as part of the ‘Cosmos collection’
Bestowed collection #19 transeasonal 2023
Photographed by Todd HUnter McGaw on Amanda Rootsey at my friend Vanessa’s Ashgrove studio.
This print was a stunning Liberty printed cotton and an organic cotton denim fabric.
Bestowed Collection #20 transeasonal 2024
Photographed by Todd Hunter McGaw on Amanda Rootsey at Fox St Studio
Fabrics for this collection included an Italian purple check and the Italian taupe striped cottons. Also we introduced the graphite coloured cotton.
Bestowed Collection #22 transeasonal 2025
Photographed by Todd Hunter Mcgaw on Amanda Rootsey at Yatoma studio.
I added the graphite cotton willow in this collection to style it in a more summery way. Also to show the new version of the Pocket belt in a thicker Japanese cotton with woven surface pattern.
This brings us up to NOW,
So many versions and they all look different. I look forward to bringing you fresh new looks in the near future.
I hope you enjoyed this look back in Bestowed history?
Cheers
Sarah
2 comments
Hello lovely, what a pleasure it has just been to look back over your journal Sarah. Beautiful clothing, stunning photography! I have so loved your willow skirts and looking at that story has just made me contemplate just how many of my life’s biggest events have been experienced in your designs… over the years.. from my beautiful mums funeral to my stage performances… amongst other things.. all hugely sentimental in one way or another… all in your clothes.. so thank you so much 🙏 I now have my eye on that beautiful willow skirt in green….;). I hope you and your family are going well since you realigned your path.. much love Sarah, Lynda 🌀
Wow Sarah, what an incredibly beautiful array of photos, the different places, the most beautiful clothes.
I particularly love the one in the lake and on the road. So gorgeous, thank for your unique and ethical garments