A silk scarf collaboration with Nel Maertens in honor of International Women’s Day.
This spring, we went looking for a young, up-and-coming creative talent for an exclusive collaboration. As a brand from Antwerp, we bumped into the promising artist, Nel Maertens.
Together with Studio Nel Maertens, we bring two eclectic silk scarfs that allow the modern woman to dream away with a silky soft design and an idyllic colorful print.
A collaboration that evokes nostalgia and brings the Cinderella story in a creative modern version.
Shop this limited edition collab now online or in-store. Receive the KAAI x Nel M. tube scarf as a gift with every purchase from 395€ till 21.03.22.
Watch the tutorial on how to get your gift
ALL ABOUT THE COLLAB
Last summer, we started a creative design studio in which our team looks for upcoming talent from designers to architects and artists. Under our 'Collab studio 91', referring to our creative design hub, located at Nationalestraat 91, we experiment with design, color and material.
“With our Collabstudio91, we want to completely step out of our comfort zone as a brand and let ourselves be inspired by the vision of various female artists,” says Helga Meersmans, designer and co-founder of KAAI.
After the first successful collab with fashion designer Marie Martens, Nel Maertens provides a colorful follow-up with a real eye-catcher.
Nel graduated in 2019 from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp as a Master of Fashion. Today she focuses entirely on her own art practice Studio Nel Maertens, where she translates her passion and creativity through a brush or pencil on a blank canvas.
“I got to know Nel as someone who radiates a large dose of positivity and is always smiling, which is the vibe that we like to radiate with our creative collabs” - Helga
This exclusive KAAI x NEL foulard collection is made out of hand-painted elements that digitally have been brought together into one colorful dream.
THE CO-CREATION PROCESS, WHERE TWO WORLDS COME TOGETHER
“As an artist, looking for a design that fits both worlds during the design process is always a big challenge. On the one hand, you want to put your creative stamp on the design, on the other hand, you do have to empathise with the world of KAAI. That is simply co-creation and this is anything but a simple task.
By entering into a dialogue with Helga, I designed two scarves with her that I am extremely happy with. The design clearly screams Nel. I was also able to create my own KAAI logo and we let both identities melt together”, - told Nel during the photoshoot, which took place in her home and studio.
Helga also shared her experience:
“As a fashion designer it is eye-opening to work together with upcoming designers from a different creative domain.
Nel beautifully masters watercolor painting. The way she brings subtle color tones into her designs is really inspiring. By transforming every element in her paintings into a digital environment gives you so many opportunities to experiment with design.” - Helga
A CINDERELLA REEXPERIENCE
The design is inspired by the idyllic, nature and a fresh summer color palette. The bright contrasts immediately make you long for those warm summer days.
“The fresh green and soft cream color that are part of the new KAAI collection this summer inspired me to get started with the design process,”- Nel.
The design brings the story of Cinderella in a modern creative version. In a subtle way, simple playful line drawings let you relive the fairy tale.
“With Nel's nostalgic design we want to divert the thoughts of the always busy woman from everyday reality to a world with less worries.”- Helga.
A SILK SCARF, EVERY WOMAN'S ESSENTIAL
A silk scarf is often a real life-saver. As you hurry from one place to another, a beautiful scarf makes it possible to effortlessly transform from an everyday look into a striking party look with a pop of color.
This collaboration offers endless styling possibilities. Style your scarf as a playful accessory around your bag, around the neck or tie it casually into your hair.
Functionality and versatility are a must for the active woman who walks through life in style. This is what we stand for and therefore perfectly matches the vision of the brand. A stylish must-have this spring!
| Tube scarf (100% Twill Silk) KAAI x NEL, 50 €
| Carré Scarf(100% Twill Silk) KAAI x NEL, 95 €
“I think it’s important that you feel a personal hand in my prints, that’s also my trademark.” – Nel M.
