As exotic Brazilian species are introduced, a heavenly glow settles over the painted tiles of Portugal.
It is mid-Summer in Europe, and a small Portuguese town lies abandoned to the dust. The streets are deserted of people, the homes and churches derelict and hollow. Tile-clad houses reflect the sunlight against one-another, creating a hazy passage of translucent light between them, their patterns seared into the shadows. This summer has been hot and dry; no rain for three months and the earth is thirsty. A breeze carries dust throughout the streets and large cracks are appearing in the stonework.
From the parapets, a single monkey’s howl rings out, echoing through the empty spaces. The long, high note hangs in the heavy air, suspended in the silence. The sound fades out, and stillness resumes. Suddenly, it is answered by a second call, and then a third; a frantic chatter reverberates from the rooftops, and in a flash, a wave of monkeys is sweeping and swinging from every outcrop. Dry branches snap beneath their fingers, and ancient tiles fall shattering to the floor. Ravaging the architecture as they go, the creatures scatter papaya seeds beneath them as they eat, dripping the rich juices onto the arid earth below. Introduced from Brazil in 1501, these exotic species and tropical fruits were once a marvel and a delicacy. A hundred years on, they have exchanged places with the townsfolk, emigrated to grow sugar cane in the hope of a new life.
As the day begins, there is little escape from the beating sun, but these animals are wily. The thick stone walls of the churches are cool in the shadows, their alcoves and former shrines creating pockets of crisp air for those seeking respite from the heat. Plants appear to thrive here too, clipped back for many years, now bursting through the cracks in the walls and climbing the intricate tilework. While the rest of the landscape is dry and barren, the solid church walls contain leaves unfurling, petals delicately opening and fruits gently ripening.
Birds perch in the sculpted pockets, stretching their wings to feel the cool tiles against their feathers, reaching their beaks to taste the fresh citrus fruits. Cats lounge in the shadowy cavities, suddenly alert each time an unwitting insect flutters into their space. Vines drip from the arches above them, and delicate flowers begin to bloom. Even the wild hares now leave their burrows for the feeling of fresh stonework beneath their paws; it is the season of new arrivals, and the young have been suffering in the close heat until now. The monkeys know they must tread carefully in this territory, for they are still relative newcomers, but they make their place in secret spaces, hidden from sight until the blazing sun sets once more.
Once used as shrines to the Madonna, these alcoves are now a different type of sanctuary. Their dilapidated glory worships and celebrates the beauty and resilience of nature’s divine bounty.
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Lemon/Bone
Twilight/Gold
Cornflower/Pearl
Indigo/Ochre
Blossom/Sloe
Navy/Rosewater
Inspiration
This collection references the beautiful Azulejo (painted tile) art of Portugal and Brazil, often found on the interior and exterior of churches and palaces. From the maiolica style of the 16th century, heavily influenced by the renaissance movement, through the 17th century with beautiful altar tiles depicting delicate fringing and garlands, to the 18th century, dubbed the ‘Golden Age of the Azulejo’. The use of repetitive tile patterns became widespread throughout Portugal and colonial Brazil (particularly the city of São Luís), alongside exuberant baroque elements and smaller, more delicately executed panels. Religious roadside shrines and tributes around the streets of Europe also play a large part in these works; the alcove-style compositions were a central theme, alongside the clear, fresh blues and golds used to paint them. I also chose to reference the beautiful Renaissance paintings, altarpieces and triptychs which inspired these shrines; again, the clarity of colour was a great example, but also the tranquillity, peace and serenity with which they are imbued. In a similar vein, reliquary boxes also influenced the collection, the details, carvings and compositions were all referenced in these works. A visit to the Jardim Botânico in Lisbon aided with inspiration for the flora. Finally, this collection cites the intricate hand painted illusions of mural artist Graham Rust, who’s breath-taking trompe l’oeil murals feature many of the details mentioned above, while including an intriguing sense of narrative and character.
Process
View the collection illustrations in progress, and see how the drawings transform into detailed and intricate scarf designs. Sabina creates a story for each collection, as shown below, which is then illustrated and narrated through her elaborate handiwork.
The Campaign
Welcome to our our Spring / Summer 2018 Campaign, O, Divina Natura.
Shop the Collection
A range of beautiful fabrics are available for each design, from classic silk twill to our sumptuous signature wool and silk blend. Each piece is printed and hand finished by the renowned artisans of Como, Italy.
