ARDMORE: Where Art Meets Fashion – Luxurious Silk Scarves Inspired by Africa – Fashion Force Africa Magazine

Ardmore, renowned for collectible art, unveils a stunning collection of silk scarves. Each design is a wearable masterpiece, blending vibrant African narratives with exquisite craftsmanship. Explore the story behind Ardmore’s foray into fashion and discover the captivating collections.

Ardmore, a South African powerhouse known for its exquisite collectible art, has embarked on a captivating journey into the world of fashion. Their new range of pure silk scarves, twills, and pocket squares seamlessly blends vibrant storytelling with exceptional craftsmanship. This exciting launch celebrates African culture, artistic legacy, and the beauty of wearable art.

Ardmore’s journey began decades ago in a humble KwaZulu-Natal studio. From its roots, it has blossomed into a multifaceted design brand, now extending its reach to textiles and homeware. This expansion allows art enthusiasts to integrate Ardmore’s lively interpretations of Africa into their daily lives. Following successful collaborations and limited edition releases, Ardmore has secured a cherished place in homes around the world. Now, with the introduction of their stunning scarf collection, they take a bold step into the realm of fashion.

Ardmore’s scarves transcend the realm of mere accessories; they are wearable works of art meticulously crafted for those who appreciate the fusion of art and fashion. Each design, a collaboration between the talented Catherine Berning (designer) and the gifted Sydney Nyabeze (illustrator), narrates unique African stories. Intricate and colorful, these narratives intertwine stunning wildlife, indigenous flora, and captivating folklore.

The story behind Ardmore’s foray into fashion has a fascinating origin. Forty years ago, Féé Halsted, Ardmore’s founder, came across a vibrant, jungle-print silk scarf in London. This encounter sparked the vision for Ardmore venturing into wearable art. Today, the vision has come full circle. Their first scarf collection, released earlier in 2024, is the “Bonnie Ntshalintshali Collection.”

This collection pays homage to Ardmore’s founding ceramic artist, Bonnie Ntshalintshali. Her imaginative and lyrical storytelling style lives on through these whimsical scarves. A renowned artist, Bonnie received the prestigious Standard Bank Young Artists Award in 1990, and her remarkable sculptures graced the prestigious Aperto Venice Biennale in 1991.

The “Bonnie” collection features playful designs inspired by her iconic depictions of Jonah and the Whale, reimagined with a heavenly angel rider symbolizing peace and harmony. Adorned with whimsical butterflies and winged creatures, the rich floral motifs burst with bold primary colors, exuding a sense of optimism.

Beyond the “Bonnie” collection, Ardmore offers a captivating array of scarves:

• Sabie Kings: This collection celebrates the majestic and rare King Cheetah. Drawing inspiration from the lush landscapes of Zimbabwe, where the Sabie King Cheetah was first discovered in 1926, the design features two regal cats entwined against a backdrop of aloes and impala lilies, presented in a palette of safari earth tones and refreshing sea-foam greens.
• Protea Plains: This dynamic collection captures a mythical cat in pursuit of a zebra amidst fields of proteas. Bursting with movement and vibrant colors, this design offers a unique perspective on the African landscape. The collection recently expanded to include a “Safari Wrap” – a luxurious wool and modal wrap for added versatility.

Complementing the scarves and wraps is a collection of Safari Silk Twills. Designed for versatility and sophistication, these lightweight, skinny scarves are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any outfit. Ties and wraps are available in a variety of sizes, catering to individual preferences.

All Ardmore scarves and wraps are designed in South Africa and printed in Italy on 100% pure silk, finished with hand-rolled hems. Committed to expanding their offerings, Ardmore plans to release further collections and limited editions throughout the year, ensuring there’s something for every art and fashion enthusiast.