Joana Avillez & Julie Houts x J.Crew
It all begins with an idea.
Summer is quickly approaching and J.Crew wants to make sure you’re looking chic in the heat. To help accessorize your warm weather fits, they’ve collaborated with two of our brilliant artists, Joana Avillez and Julie Houts, commissioning them each to create whimsical yet elegant scarves, inspired by two gorgeous destinations: Joana’s design reflects the natural beauty and biodiversity of Puglia, while Julie’s capture the classic Americana and sportiness of Cape Cod.
“I did many drafts in pencil trying to formulate an intricate yet legible weaving of all things Pugliese. Everything Italian always feels so inherently visual and distinctive, like it is just waiting to be drawn.
The kaleidoscopic pattern features sea urchins, ceramic plates, orecchiette, tomatoes, pumo de fiore, cacti and various scenes encapsulated within. I wanted it to be beautiful as a whole, but also give the opportunity to find secret, special moments.
I had to think about how it will appear when worn; what will come across? What will the tone be when you're wearing it wrapped around your head with sunglasses?
It was so fun making this with J.Crew. This is our second scarf collab together and each one builds upon the last, it’s great that they give me the freedom to come up with something that surprises us all.”
-Joana Avillez
“I was a designer at J.Crew for seven years before I started illustrating full-time, and It’s always wonderful when I get the chance to work with the team again. These scarves were so fun to work on. They’re just fun and cheerful, and really got me in a summer mood!”
-Julie Houts