MACHAS

Less is more: Lulu Guinness x Jonathan Calugi capsule collection

‘Less is more’ is a motto that many strive to live by, but not many manage to evoke quite as successfully as Jonathan Calugi. The timing for this collaboration could not have been more perfect as Lulu Guinness’ desire to launch her first ready-to-wear line matched with Jonathan’s wish to branch his art out into the world of fashion.

Lulu Guinness is a British fashion accessory designer, world-renowned for her bold, quirky and feminine aesthetic. While reading London’s ES magazine, the designer’s attention was immediately captured by Jonathan Calugi’s elegant and graphic illustrations that each week grace the pages of the magazine; Lulu felt that Jonathan’s art resonated with her vision and decided right on the spot to get in touch with him.

Following an initial discussion and a meeting in London to brainstorm ideas and concepts, the collaboration blossomed into an inclusive clothing line (“I wanted to make clothes that everyone could really wear, whatever size or shape they are”, states Lulu) and a bag line released across the SS17 and AW18 collections.

Lulu opted to focus on the brand’s trademark red, white and black palette, and integrated Jonathan’s single-line drawings in her unique designs, from bags to dresses to jackets and jumpers. 

The result is two vivacious and unconventional collections, which premiered to the public at Lulu Guinness’ Covent Garden store. It was vital for both artists that the collections upheld their ethos of elegance, style and cheerfulness while also bringing something slightly different to the table.

In Lulu Guinness’ own words, “if you’re going to do something then it has to be distinctive.”

See more of Jonathan’s work here.