Ardmore, a South African brand with a deep-rooted legacy in collectible art, has recently expanded its creative horizons with the launch of an exquisite collection of pure silk scarves, twills, and pocket squares. This new venture marks Ardmore’s first step into the fashion world, drawing upon the studio’s artistic heritage and the rich cultural tapestry of Africa to create wearable works of art. Founded in a small studio on a farm in KwaZulu-Natal, Ardmore has grown into a multifaceted design brand that now spans textiles, homeware, and, most recently, fashion. Known for its vibrant expression of African culture, Ardmore’s creations have made their way into homes and hearts across the globe. The introduction of these luxurious silk scarves is a testament to the brand’s evolution and commitment to craftsmanship.

The scarves, crafted for those who appreciate the fusion of art and fashion, feature intricate designs that tell uniquely African stories. The collection is the result of a collaboration between Catherine Berning, who spearheaded the design, and Sydney Nyabeze, whose illustrations bring the narratives to life. The scarves showcase African wildlife, indigenous flora, and folklore in rich, colourful patterns that are as timeless as they are contemporary.

Ardmore’s journey into fashion is deeply personal, tracing back to its founder, Féé Halsted. Forty years ago, Halsted was inspired by a vibrant jungle print silk scarf she purchased in London, igniting a vision that has now come full circle. Earlier this year, Ardmore released its first scarf collection, the Bonnie Ntshalintshali Collection, named in honour of Ardmore’s founding ceramic artist. Bonnie Ntshalintshali’s legacy of imaginative and lyrical storytelling is celebrated in these scarves, with designs that feature playful depictions of Jonah and the Whale, along with heavenly angels, doves, and whimsical butterflies. The collection is a burst of optimism, showcasing bold primary colours and rich floral motifs that reflect Bonnie’s artistic spirit.

The Bonnie Ntshalintshali Collection is just the beginning. Ardmore has also unveiled the Sabie Kings collection, inspired by the majestic King Cheetah. This design draws from the lush landscapes of Zimbabwe, where the rare Sabie King Cheetah was first spotted in 1926. The collection features two regal cheetahs entwined, set against a backdrop of aloes and impala lilies in earthy tones and sea-foam greens, capturing the essence of safari elegance.

Complementing the Sabie Kings collection is the Protea Plains line, which introduces a dynamic and whimsical design featuring a mythical cat chasing a zebra through fields of proteas. This lively piece bursts with movement and vibrant colours, further showcasing Ardmore’s ability to blend tradition with contemporary design. The most recent addition to the Protea Plains collection is the Safari Wrap, a luxurious wool and modal wrap that offers versatility and lightweight comfort, perfect for any season.

In addition to the large silk scarves, Ardmore’s collection includes Safari Silk Twills, skinny scarves that add a sophisticated touch to any wardrobe. These versatile pieces can be styled in multiple ways—around the neck, wrist, hair, or accessories—bringing a bold pop of colour to any outfit.

All of Ardmore’s scarves and wraps are designed in South Africa and printed in Italy on 100% pure silk with hand-rolled hems, ensuring the highest quality and attention to detail. As Ardmore continues to expand its fashion line, further collections and limited editions are planned for release throughout the year, promising to bring even more of Africa’s rich cultural stories into the world of fashion.

For more information, visit https://www.ardmore-design.com