Designer in vogue after setting up shop in town, Teesdale Mercury

ONE of Barnard Castle’s newest traders has proved she is part of the UK’s fashion pack after her designs were picked up by style bible Vogue. 

Emma Hedley started selling her wares from the back room at the new My Generation shop that opened in the town’s Market Place earlier this year. 

The young designer’s jewellery range has proved popular in the shop but she admits she was shocked when the well-respected fashion magazine called her up about her work. 

She said: “They contacted me through my website and when I got the email I thought it’s someone tricking me but no, when I rang them back, it was all legit.”

Emma, who has just moved into Barnard Castle with her husband, Owain Davies, of Teesdale band Spokes, and their young son, was thrilled when she saw her jewellery in print. 

She said: “It’s very exciting to be in Vogue. They have said my stuff is fab and affordable, which is essentially what I say about it. You can treat yourself to some without feeling guilty about it.”

Since taking the space at the back of Suzanne Thomas’ My Generation vintage boutique, Emma’s business has gone from strength-to-strength.  

One of her biggest selling designs is the lyric brooches, which are fine silver bangles that can be stamped with messages – perfect for a romantic treat, best friends or christening gifts. 

As well as her appearance in Vogue, Emma also received some other good news – she has been accepted into the Teesdale Artists Network. 

And to add to the bustle of opening a new shop, featuring in a world renowned magazine and becoming part of an artist’s group, she has also just taken part in a London design show. 

She said: “I love it – it’s really exciting getting deliveries, every day is like your birthday or Christmas. And getting to work with, and promote other local artists is great. And it’s also nice being surrounded by pretty things all day.”