In collaboration with Frances Costelloe

Jul 31, 2023 | Collaborations

The collaboration between London-based artist Frances Costelloe and BLUNT was a perfect fit, as Costelloe's half-Kiwi heritage deeply resonates with BLUNT's history of championing fellow New Zealanders.
Calming Cornflowers

Talented illustrator Frances Costelloe, known for her freeline drawings of faces and flora, collaborated with BLUNT to bring a level of serenity to the beloved BLUNT Metro canopy. 

With Costelloe being half Kiwi, this collaboration holds special significance for BLUNT, known for its unwavering support of fellow New Zealanders. The partnership was a natural fit, as Costelloe immediately felt drawn to BLUNT, particularly the umbrella's scalloped edge.

“It has converted me from a raincoat girl to an umbrella-in-a-bag kind of person”

Quote by|Frances Costelloe

The design itself, adorned with cornflower blue Paisleys, is inspired by soft brushstrokes and doodled creations. Each seemingly spontaneous illustration transports you to the artist's chosen realm. Reflecting her eclectic personal style, Costelloe aimed to infuse the BLUNT canopy with a sense of freedom and vibrancy.

During her creative journey, Costelloe found inspiration at the renowned V&A, the world's largest art, fashion, and design museum nestled in the heart of London. Armed with her sketch pad and camera, she explored the vast archives of fabric, ceramics, and glassware, seeking to reinterpret a pattern. The paisley design captured her imagination, reminding her of a psychedelic dress adorned with mesmerizing swirls and teardrops.

Countless sketches later, Costelloe refined her vision and settled on the reinterpreted paisley motif. To select a captivating blue hue that would stand out even on the greyest of rainy days, she drew inspiration from her beloved flower, the cornflower.

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