A fusion of art and fashion: Kate MccGwire x Co-Lab369
British contemporary visual artist and sculptor Kate MccGwire has joined forces with Parisian Co-Lab369 to launch a series of limited-edition, artist-designed scarves.
Each piece, inspired by MccGwire’s artistic practice, evokes cycles, patterns, and the dualities of nature born from the artist’s childhood in Norfolk. Feathers and earthy tones cement this imagery and conjure the themes of nature and time that MccGwire is known for playing with in her work.
The artistic process begins with the labour-intensive act MccGwire collecting, sorting, and cleaning her materials to create magnificent, almost mythological forms reminiscent of classical sculptures. This new collection of bespoke scarves affords new life to these forms, capturing the dualities of their aesthetics; seductive yet repulsive, fluid yet static.
The launch of this series coincided with the unveiling of a new work by MccGwire. Commissioned for the 1 Hotel, Mayfair, TORRENT (2023) is a large installation situated in the Dover Yard Bar. It is fair to say that the scarves are launching at a time when MccGwire’s work is being increasingly recognised as an
independent creative force by both the fashion and art worlds. Iris Van Herpen’s grand retrospective show ‘Sculpting the Senses’ at the Musée des Arts Decorative in Paris from 29 November 2023 – 28
April 2024 will include MccGwire’s sculpture INVEIGLE. The show will form part of Van Herpen’s showcase of 140 of her haute couture designs and accessories, being shown alongside work of artists that have inspired her career.
Speaking on ‘the duplicity of nature’, Kate MccGwire has said: “My work is inspired by the
water forming incredible patterns that are there one second and gone the next. Everything is
fleeting on the water; it is beautiful but there is danger and treachery underneath the surface.
I’m intrigued by that dichotomy.”
These one-off collectible fashion pieces enable existing and new collectors to wear MccGwire’s artworks. Crafted in meticulous detail to recreate her delicate practice, these designs each bear the unique signature of MccGwire’s distinctive artistic impression. Titled Host, Numbus Reflection, Cavort Iris and Cavor East, the scarves as made from a blend of luxury silk, wool and cashmere, complete with meticulously hand-finished edges.
There are between 50-100 scarves of each design available to buy in this first edition. Each unique scarf is crafted using artisanal techniques and practices from Como, Italy
renowned for the best in bespoke luxury. Kate MccGwire x Co-Lab369 scarves are committed
to responsible production, including the use of, for example, sustainable and environmentally
friendly dyes. The scarves are made to order, ensuring minimum waste.
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