INDEPENDENT | 15 January 2022

Barb Power discusses Kate Bickmore’s floral collaboration with fashion brand Karen Millen in an article encouraging colourful statement clothing and artist partnerships.


Style notes: get captivated by colour and introduce a little art to your wardrobe

By Bairbe Power

Our fashion editor rounds up the latest style news and fashion trends.

I love nothing more than art and fashion, so when I can partner the two, and introduce work by artists into my wardrobe, it is a win-win situation. Kate Bickmore’s florascape paintings in oils are quite something, and building on the success of a collaboration with the Karen Millen brand, the US-born, UK-based artist has returned to do a second collection with them which reimagines her original prints.

It is a limited-edition collection, and the print placement varies from piece to piece, so that adds to a sense of individuality in the artful range.

Stars of the show include the ‘Apotheosis’ structured prom dress (€428) with pockets, and there is also a wide selection of dresses, including a cute mini with dramatic back detail.

The co-ords story is strong, including a woven blouse (€209) and matching cropped-leg palazzo pants (€259). Available in sizes 6-24, this Karen Millen X Kate Bickmore collection certainly paints a new perspective on after-dark dressing. karenmillen.com

#floralsonfriday

When I started to research the theme of proactively introducing art into our wardrobes as a way of uplifting those gloomy January grey skies, I certainly wasn’t expecting to be doing art myself. This unexpected moment of creativity came about thanks to an invitation from artist and printed textile designer Caroline Duffy.

I love watching the new pieces come to life on her Instagram account, and the transition from watercolour created in her home studio in Dundalk, Co Louth, to silk scarves made in Como by artisans using unique printing techniques.

She has launched a self-care element called #floralsonfriday sessions, where you can paint along as you watch her in action on her Instagram account.

“All you need is to be willing to have fun and not worry about the outcome,” says Duffy, who creates original paintings, prints and products, as well as collaborating with fashion and homeware brands designing textile patterns.

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