Textile artist Naomi Glasses (centre) features in the latest campaign for Ralph Lauren skateboarding. Photo: Ralph Lauren
Fashion and art are inseparable bedfellows. More than just sharing a love for creativity and aesthetic, the two industries have continuously worked together.
Recent collaborations see artists playing a big role in the collections.
For example, Naiomi Glasses worked with Ralph Lauren on a ready-to-wear and accessories collection – the second time she has done so.
The Navajo textile artist played with contemporary adaptations of traditional motifs from her heritage.
Louis Barthelemy (right) uses vibrant patterns and bright colours capture the essence of adventure in his designs. Photo: SandroRead more: The flamenco dress is an Andalusian classic evolving with fashion
A dynamic, sporty, vibrant and joyful reflection of Naiomi’s passion for skateboarding, the capsule features playful use of pattern and colour on iconic Ralph Lauren silhouettes.
Glasses first gained social media fame after posting a video of herself skateboarding in the desert.
She loves the sport, but has said that weaving is her primary passion.
“I use materials from the desert such as natural sheep wool and cochineal dye to create purses, saddle blankets, and rugs with vibrant patterns,” reads her statement.
“Through my work and growing social media presence, I hope to share Navajo culture with the world and educate people that Native Americans are still present and thriving.”
French illustrator Louis Barthelemy is also working with a fashion brand for the second time.
His collection with Sandro drew inspiration from a series of large, sunny drawings. The prints recall the summer season, using patterns featuring the sun, agaves, palm trees, dance and flowers.
Barthelemy describes himself as a multidisciplinary artist. Based between Marrakech, Cairo and Paris, he studied fashion design and has worked for large fashion houses in the past.
The capsule collection from Maje features illustrations from Jiayi Li. Photo: Maje
The Delvaux collection has a theme of mutualism, which describes the interaction between two or more species, in this case art and fashion. Photo: Delvaux
Jiayi Li, a renowned Paris-based illustrator of Chinese origin, presented a capsule collection with Maje. This is a continuation of her collaboration with the brand since 2022.
Each piece is described as serving as the canvas of her imagination.
There is a T-shirt adorned with a delicately sketched flower, as well as cotton shirt and shorts evoking the lushness of the tropics. Two stunning ombre swimsuits remind of the setting sun.
Li has worked for Loewe, Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood and many more.
As for Belgian artist Kasper Bosmans, he recently worked with leather goods brand Delvaux.
The collection is said to blur the boundaries between product and art, fluidity and structure, technique and inspiration to create “objects of desire”.
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Bosmans’ graphic, bright and exuberant work is inspired by a wide variety of historical signs and symbols. They revolve around heraldry – the crests, coats of arms, flags and banners used as graphic identifiers in a bygone era.
As a versatile artist, his works range from sculpture and installation to painting and drawing.
All these designs are seen as intimate creations of the artists themselves. If not an extension of their creativity, the products embody their identity or heritage.
A few of them – like Glasses and Barthelemy – even appeared in the fashion campaign visuals.
