When RADISH met... Silken Favours

Vicki Murdoch is the Founder and Creative Director of Silken Favours. Based in Frome, her original drawings adorn items including silk cushions, scarves and clothing. Pieces to be ‘treasured forever’. You can find them in her online shop and in stores including Fortnum & Mason and Liberty. Vicki has selected and shot some of her favourite RADISH dresses, while giving us into a peek into her studio and home.


Can you tell us a bit about you, your background and how it lead you to the work you are doing now? 

I’m from Aberdeen in Scotland, from a young age I was obsessed with nature, drawing and an avid stamp collector. 

When I was 17, I won a modelling competition which led me to the city London, New York, Japan…  It was weird in a lot of ways, but allowed me to travel the world and have some incredible experiences. I kept a sketchbook during those times which I think helped me keep my passion alive and I’m sure helped when I applied to Chelsea art school to study Textile design.

At Chelsea I got really into applying my drawings of nature to repeat patterns which I’d print onto silk scarves and gift to my family and friends. 

I went to the ‘Liberty’ open day for young designers, which is kind of like dragons den, and I was very lucky that they went on to be my first stockist which allowed me to grow organically from there,

I’ve been learning how to run a one woman brand since then which has evolved a lot with my life over the last 10 years.

I’ve recently moved with my wee family to Somerset where I now have a beautiful studio/shop and a slower pace of life. It’s nice. 

What inspires you in the everyday? 

Nature, friends, going for a walk, my studio space, exhibitions and reading beautifully illustrated books to my daughter at bedtime. 

What are your studio essentials/comforts?  

A pot of coffee, incense, snacks, my steamer, a pen that works and good music. 

Do you collect anything?

Yes, I started my collection obsession at 7 when I got really into stamps. Then it was anything to do with ‘The Beatles’ and ‘Hedgehogs’. I’m now very partial to a lot of 70’s brown Hornsea crockery, which my poor partner puts up with.

What are you listening to at the moment?  

I’ve always been stuck in a 70s time warp and find it hard to stray from my favourite classics like Joni Mitchell, The Beatles, Nick Drake and Fleetwood Mac.

I love the Adam Buxton podcast, the most recent one has my friend Michelle de Swarte on it, she’s amazing and bloody hilarious, go have a listen. 

Where are your dream travel spots?

The Balearic Islands and India. 

What do you always find yourself bringing home from trips?

Pretty pottery, rude postcards and shells.

What’s the most important piece of advice you have been given? 

“You got to ac-cen-tuate the positive, eliminate the negative, and latch on to the affirmative” 

We love you in RADISH. Do you have a favourite piece, and why? 

Awww, thank you, I loved wearing all your beautiful dresses but the Gracie in red is my favourite, it makes me feel like a rich Hollywood star and is perfect for a summer wedding.

What are your favourite independent shops or brands? 

Do you have any favourite Frome spots or new discoveries?

… and finally, what’s on your Christmas wish list?  

Anything from Glassette , and a vintage Moroccan rug from ‘A New Tribe’.

Vicki wears red Gracie ruffle dress, black and gold cotton Vega dress with bow detail shoulders and black and gold Romy dress.

See more wonderful Silken Favours pieces here.

Photos by Hopi Allard

Lisa PiercyComment