Sheila Johnson Collection

I have long been fascinated by the niche of "wearable art," a term I often lend to my emerging designer foci. Sheila Johnson takes the description under her wing with the launch of her luxury scarf collection. Perhaps best known as a producer and philanthropist, Johnson's design debut stemmed from a longstanding passion for photography. After beginning to take pictures with a Polaroid camera in high school, she learned to develop her own film. This classic foundation evolved into the use of advanced digital technology to capture images. Using photographs she shot in exotic locales such as Uganda, Rwanda and Haiti, Johnson uses scarves as her canvas to relay her distinct point of view:

"When I'm behind the lens, I can express myself... It's been thrilling to share my passion for nature and for my philanthropic work by translating what I see and feel into luxurious, wearable art."

The venture, simply titled Sheila Johnson Collection, launched for the Holiday 2012/Resort 2013 season with "Interludes," which uses a rich color palette that enlivens the seasonal landscapes. Close stills of vibrant flowers, as in Carita and Felicity, embody a bright optimism whilst moodier winter scenes, as in Solace, revel in the blue-tinged glow of fresh snowfall.

Johnson's scarves boast skillful duality. Unfolded, the scarves present us with a sort of utopian realism. Yet when tied, the recognizable portraits of nature blend into abstractions of color. To drape such a piece around one's neck is an optical illusion of sorts.

Carita scarf

Felicity scarf

Verde scarf

Solace scarf

All images from the Holiday 2012/Resort 2013 collection

Reminiscent of artistic scarves from the likes of the Met and MoMa, Sheila Johnson Collection offers an appealing universality - a promising characteristic as we await the hectic gifting season. 

Produced and manufactured in Prato, Italy, the modal scarves are produced on an old-fashioned wooden loom, digitally printed and cut and fringed by hand. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Lady Salamanders, an organization co-founded by Johnson that aims to end homelessness through sports.

Images courtesy of Sheila Johnson
Visit sheilajohnsoncollection.com