Ines: I was introduced to Chidy’s work through Marie, the founder of Grège Gallery. The aesthetic language of his pieces attracted me straight away. His ability to express philosophical reflections and beauty with bare simple lines and clear matters, reminded me a lot of the Les Izmoor vision.
Chidy: When discussing with Ines, I understood that our worlds complemented each other. Together with Grège Gallery, we decided to partner on this project to merge art, fashion, and personal values.
Could you tell us more about the design of the scarf?
Ines: Creating a silk scarf was always on our minds but, to do it right, we needed a print that would embody Les Izmoor. It had to be very simple and at the same time look compelling when worn.
Chidy: For this piece, I wanted our worlds to mirror each other, as I find that they fit so well conceptually. I asked myself how I could capture Les Izmoor in a synthetic way, using as few strokes and details as possible. The design embraces nature and beauty through one of its most universal and powerful symbols: a flower. This symbol is being held and celebrated by a human figure.
Ines: The concept depicted by Chidy made me think about the time and care needed for nature to blossom. This vision of patience reflects our whole philosophy and conviction that close attention should be given to every product created, and that fashion should be anything but disposable.
Chidy, what's the process behind your drawings? How is “less is more” adopted in your creative process?
Chidy: The creative process begins in my head. Before starting to draw, I think a lot about the concept that is going to be reflected in my work and I synthesize it mentally in a few elements. To me, an idea in its purest form doesn’t need many ornaments so the concept of Less is More fits perfectly with who I am and what I believe in.
When I take my thought to the paper, I make compositions with very simple shapes and try to get rid of all the superfluous. I try to focus only on the few elements that can by themselves represent the idea.
Less is More means being able to express a clean and clear vision, with the minimum necessary resources.
Who or what has been an important reference in your work?
Chidy: My pieces are influenced by artistic avant-garde movements as well as by ancestral and cultural elements. Le Corbusier, Picasso, René Gruau, Keith Haring, Cy Twombly, the Brutalism and Pimitive arts are all important references in my work.
Why a silk scarf?
Ines: A scarf is the most versatile item you could ever own. It's an everlasting accessory that can elevate all outfits. You can wear it in so many ways, keep it for a lifetime and pass it on to future generations.
Working with silk also makes a lot of sense to us. Not only because it’s a beautiful and timeless material, but also because we can source it locally. By being based in Milan, we have access to the best silk mills in the world located just a short train ride away from our headquarters!
Crepe de chine, our smooth and fluid type of silk, has now become a Les Izmoor signature fabric.
What do you take from this collaboration?
Chidy: A beautiful connection has come from this project. As artists and entrepreneurs, we need to do so many things. It can be a tough journey but it is a beautiful one which gives you the opportunity to learn and connect with interesting minds from different backgrounds and industries. Being part of the creation of Accessory 01 has been an absolute honor.
Ines: If you told me a year ago that we’d be collaborating with Chidy Wayne, I would have never believed it. Like many times with Les Izmoor, the thought of co-creating with such an artist was a pipe dream - but we made it happen. When looking at this silk scarf, I can’t help but think:
As long as you put in the necessary care and patience, your flower will blossom.
September marks a moment for resolutions and new beginnings and I am sure that many women reading this have special projects in mind. However big or small your goal is, we hope that this story can give you the little extra push of strength and confidence to go after your own ambitions.
