Drawing inspiration from the paintings of American modernist artist Milton Avery, Kate Sylvester’s newest spring-summer collection celebrates the artist’s projection of powerful and positive femininity and his unified approach to colour and form.
Milton Avery was a pioneering artist known for his use of colour and rejection of strict realism. His paintings play with dynamic colour blocking, summery colour palettes and minimal shapes. His paintings simplify subject matter to its purest form; they’re serene, contemplative and gently suggestive, inviting viewers to experience them through their own lens.
Fittingly, these elements flow through into Avery, a positive, feminine and affirming collection with a use of colour that’s both bold yet harmonious. Shapes are crafted with nostalgic mid-century references and invite the wearer into a sense of quiet empowerment.
A palette built from Avery’s clean, clear colours compliments a pared-back silhouette and styling. Sylvester weaves together block colouring with considered detail; slouchy jacket pairs back with a slim pencil skirt in buttery leatherette, a sleeveless top with ruche detailing in pistachio-green plays off against a floor-length skirt in vibrant violet, and pumps in joyful pops of colour enliven soft-toned painterly stripes.
Throughout the collection, we see the superfluous being stripped away; blazers lose lapels, trimmings are used sparingly, and details are simple, considered and intentional. Suiting is sleek and modern with flowing, relaxed shapes and finely embroidered sheer pieces are delicate and refined. An abstract block-colour print connotes escapism through summer sunsets and seascapes with dual-toned scarves and crinkle pleats in clear colours completing the tableau.
An ode to quiet strength, Avery is serene, pastoral and colourfully lyrical, an understated yet empowering collection for today’s woman.
SS22 collection ‘Avery,’ arriving in stores from mid-July 2022.
