ABOUT

Based between Cornwall and London, DARN is a creative studio and universe of play that moves between photography, art direction, design and events.

Launched in 2019, DARN designs and pieces inspire and encourage laughter and fun. It appeals to anyone with a wide imagination that embraces the world with open arms – who relish in trying new things.

DARN's founder, Amelia Pemberton, is a multidisciplinary designer and photographer who is known for her entrepreneurial spirit and zest for life. She draws inspiration from vintage textiles, the British countryside and her close community of creative friends.

Amelia is particular about the British factories she works with, and appreciates the flexibility within design that is created between manufacturers and customer when working in a small scale setup. She hopes this will contribute to building a better world.

DARN Studio plays with brands in three ways:

•⁠  ⁠Bringing campaigns to life through art direction and photography

•⁠  ⁠Bespoke print & product design collaborations

•⁠  ⁠Event curation through the lens of our universe of play

CAMPAIGNS

You come with an idea. We’ll play. And then turn it into a visual concept. This process might look like:

•⁠  ⁠Storyboarding

•⁠  ⁠Concept development

•⁠  ⁠Location and model scouting

•⁠  ⁠Prop sourcing

•⁠  ⁠Shoot management

•⁠  ⁠Campaign film

•⁠  ⁠Final photography

Mother Root

Mother Root approached me with a brief for three campaigns to bring their non-alcoholic aperitifs to life. DARN brought on filmmakers, producers and talent for the shoots. We sourced props and styled each campaign to fit with the identity of each flavour. A long lunch at Potager Garden to celebrate spring in the British countryside for their new flavour Rhubarb. Beach side aperitivos for their peak summer spritz, Marmalade. And an early evening at home in the Gweek hillsides for their classic end-of-the-day ritual drink, Ginger.

DESIGN

You come with a design brief. And we’ll play. Whether it’s a limited run of scarves, bespoke illustrations or designs for existing collections or something new.

Finisterre

The Finisterre design team came to me with a concept: capturing the essence of Cornwall’s folklore through embroidery and colour. DARN created designs within a colour palette for a five-piece capsule collection: a quilted jacket, sweatshirt, long and short sleeve t shirt and a pair of trousers.

Toast

DARN’s first collaboration with British label TOAST features two exclusive 100% silk scarves in their SS22 collection. Inspired by playful, hand-drawn illustrations using oil pastels and ink, the Moon Fruit and Sunflower Chess scarves are generously sized for versatile styling options.

Tate

A print design project inspired by my time living in St Ives, drawing on Alfred Wallis’s wave motifs and the colours of the Cornish sunset. Using crayon, ink, pastels, and chalk, the work captures a raw, intuitive response to place through bold marks and tactile materials.

Jolene

Jolene invites DARN to collaborate on an exclusive collection drop, blending signature motifs with our fresh take on the classic bandana.

EVENTS

Real life experience is where true community and connection happens. We work with brands to curate playful, artful and interactive events centred around food and design.

This might look like:

•⁠  ⁠Location scouting

•⁠  ⁠Chef and menu curation

•⁠  ⁠Tablescaping

•⁠  ⁠Art-led games and activities

DARN & FRIENDS POP UP

In summer 2022, DARN curated a four-week pop-up at the Surfhouse in St Ives, bringing together independent brands, makers, workshops, and supper clubs to create an open, creative community space celebrating craft, collaboration, and coastal culture.

DARN EAT REPAIR Workshop
An interactive live workshop combining sustainable fashion, print design, and communal eating. Participants mended and customized garments while sharing food and conversation — a hands-on, creative exploration of repair culture.

MAKE UR OWN DARN SCARF – Wilderness Festival
A festival activation inviting attendees to design and print their own scarves using custom templates and tools. The space became a hub of self-expression, with guests leaving with a wearable piece of their own making.

Peligoni – DRAW EAT REPEAT
A relaxed, drop-in drawing experience held on tablecloths using fabric pens, where guests could doodle, sketch, or collaborate while enjoying a steady flow of food and drinks. As people came and went throughout the day, the tablecloth evolved into a layered, collaborative artwork created by many hands.

Peligoni – Supper Club (Secret Location)
A unique supper club experience that unfolded in a secret location, accessed by boat. Guests were immersed in an atmospheric setting where food, art, and place came together to create an unforgettable evening.

BINGO Supper Club
A playful twist on the traditional supper club, where dinner and bingo collided in a vibrant, immersive setting. Guests participated in themed games, won quirky prizes, and enjoyed a menu designed to surprise and delight — all within a visually curated environment inspired by print motifs.