The journey of Strophion begins with visual depictions of Venus that exist from times gone by, most often presented through painting, and mosaic-work. From the latter, a pattern was found- connecting the connotations of the way that fragmented pieces can be put together to form a glorious whole—an allegory for the intertwined legacies of the women whose stories shape this collection.
 
Strophion is made entirely out of an in-house textile experimentation, whose surface has been made to look like that of a mosaic - nuanced, detailed and shaded. Each millimeter of the top is hand-embroidered with miniscule pearls and glass beads, bringing to mind mosaics, and the way that fragmented pieces can be put together to form a glorious whole - much like the interwoven stories of our protagonists. 
 
Most motifs are directly inspired by the Oxburgh Hangings, a series of embroideries crafted by Mary during her imprisonment, known to be one of the strongest textile representatives preserved through history, depicting political metaphorics, propaganda and symbolisms. The Oxburgh Hangings became almost Mary’s personal diary, telling the audience who she wanted to be seen as, and the circumstances that were cast upon her life. For example, the delicate floral motifs depict the growing of a new plant, representing how Mary saw herself as a fresh growth, and new hope for her kingdom. Among the other motifs, roses feature prominently—rendered in both the traditional red and a nuanced blue hue. This nod to the Scottish rose reflects the vision of a unified Scotland and England, a political ideology that tragically sealed Mary’s fate. 
 
At óasi, as storytellers through fabric, we have imbued Strophion with the very images Mary poured her heart into—reopening this closed case of judgment and carrying her story forward. Through each thread and motif, óasi not only honours her legacy but also provokes reflection on the narratives of power, resilience, and the often-overlooked voices of history.
 
Strophion can be styled as a top or a traditional blouse underneath a sari. 
 
Made to Measurement.
 
Fit: Fitted. Reaches 2 inches below underbust. 
Colourway: Eggshell with nuanced sky blue, mustard, burgundy and blood red 
Fabric Composition:
Bemberg Satin 
 
dry clean only