International designer Jasmine Hixon launched her autumn collection in one of the region's art venues yesterday.

Jasmine, who has established a worldwide reputation over the past 20 years, sells her work in Europe, the US and Japan.

The designer, who produces dyed and woven textiles for her own range of clothing, works from a studio at Brancepeth Castle near Durham City.

To present her latest collection, Jasmine chose the Biscuit Factory arts centre, in Newcastle.

After several seasons concentrating on hand-dyed velvet scarves and stoles, Jasmine has produced a collection of clothes for autumn.

Though her work sells in stores all over the world, Jasmine also carries out local commissions for an extensive North-East customer base.

She has used fabrics including chenille, silk and merino wool in warm shades. Neutral tints have also been used to produce a selection of unstructured jackets, coordinated with textured linen and wool jersey.

Dyed velvet, bias-cut skirts and tops complement Jasmine's trademark scarves and stoles in a collection which is easy to wear and casual.

She said: "I am trying to appeal to as broad a range of women as I possibly can.''

Appointments can be made to visit her studio in Brancepeth Castle by telephoning 0191-378 9671.