Visionary perspectives are being brought together in this capsule collection, combining creative ways of working with zero-waste patterns and infusing them with Brianna Lance’s artistic expression. 

Intriguing and unexpected partnerships and collaborations have been part of & Other Stories DNA since its launch in 2013. For the summer of 2024, the fashion brand is launching a capsule collection in collaboration with artist Brianna Lance, known for her richly detailed watercolor paintings filled with evocative symbols and mystical imagery. The collection consists of four pieces – two kaftans, one dress, and a jumpsuit, all adorned with original artwork created especially for the collaboration, depicting enigmatic elements from Lance’s imaginative world. “My paintings reflect on hyper-feminine and hyper-mystical energies historically excluded from modern art,” says Brianna Lance.

“What I love about Brianna’s paintings is the playfulness and intriguing storytelling that she creates. And with the most beautiful color palette. Her work was perfect for the vision I had for this collection.” Says Frida Billegren, Atelier Designer. 

Each piece of the collection was crafted using zero-waste patterns. This pattern-making method ensures that no textile fabric is wasted during production. For example, the scraps remaining after cutting out the neckline of the jumpsuit were used to create a pocket on the same piece.

Additionally, a digital printing process was used to transfer the artwork onto the items for a high-quality finish. 

Brianna Lance is a self-taught artist born in Texas and based in New York City. Driven to document her ongoing subconscious and spiritual journeys, Brianna Lance paints fantastical environments that are rich in detail and spontaneous in form. After a successful career in fashion, working as a designer, creative director, and consultant, in 2020, Lance decided to change her focus to painting. She is represented by Tappan Gallery, and her paintings have been showcased at Miami Art Week, Freehand Hotel, and The Standard Hotel. Her work has been featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and East Hampton Star. She has collaborated with The Edition Hotels, Ciao Lucia, and The Frankie Shop.

Brianna Lance gave us more insight into the collaboration and her journey.

How did this collaboration come into being?  
Frida Billegren, the Atelier Designer, came across my work through a mutual friend and was immediately drawn to my paintings. It felt like a perfect collaboration because she connected with and understood my art in a way that made   Frida Billegren, the Atelier Designer, came across my work through a mutual friend and was immediately drawn to my paintings. It felt like a perfect collaboration because she connected with and understood my art in a way that made our partnership feel destined. For me, the most intriguing aspect of the project is the zero-waste patterns used to create the garments. An example of this can be seen in the jumpsuit, where the scraps from cutting out the neckline were repurposed to create a pocket on the same piece. 

Tell us about the paintings adorning the garments.
The jumpsuit is full of fruits I often paint, such as the pomegranate, symbolizing love and death. Each fruit has its symbolic meaning, creating subliminal messages that make you think of something without being aware of it. The eye is another recurring symbol in my paintings. I’m obsessed with paintings that look at you while you look at them. You can see it on the kaftan with the underwater theme, among pearls, shells, and sea creatures. The eye also appears on the green kaftan with a swan wrapped around a flower. The swan, in its turn, represents grace and beauty but can also be quite vicious. To me, the swan is a holistic symbol of femininity, which embodies both softness and beauty, intensity and strength. Finally, the asymmetrical dress has an abstract pastel wash that looks like the paintings before I put all the little figures onto them. 

You transitioned from fashion designer and creative consultant/director to artist. What inspired this shift? 
 I started painting during the extreme lockdown in New York City. I lost all my clients in one day and had no idea what I was supposed to do. Suddenly, I had no job and couldn’t travel or go anywhere. I turned to painting to bring on my own happiness, and I soon realized that I was so happy and finally doing what I felt I was meant to do. Although I have been painting throughout my life, it was the first time in my life that I had chosen what I wanted to do instead of just following the next road to success. 

What is your work about? 
My paintings reflect on hyper-feminine and hyper-mystical energies historically excluded from modern art. I feel like all my inspiration is channelled. The ideas and symbols come from sources like tarot readings or from things I perceive during meditation when trying to listen to something beyond myself. It’s nice because I don’t have to attach my ego to what I create; it doesn’t feel like it’s entirely mine. It feels like it belongs to everyone. 

What is something that your creativity has taught you?  
I believe my creative journey has taught me a valuable lesson about the nature of imagination and thought processes. It’s shown me that sharing the quirkiest or most emotional aspects of ourselves isn’t isolating. Often, we hesitate to reveal these parts to others. However, the act of expressing and witnessing others’ reactions is truly incredible. It fosters a sense of connection with everyone around you. This, I believe, is the most significant lesson I’ve gained — realizing that my feelings and peculiar thoughts are not isolating. While perhaps not universal, there’s a common thread that can be found in many people, even those you might not expect. 

What are your hopes for the outcome of this collaboration with & Other Stories?  
I am very excited about this collaboration because it provides a unique opportunity for people to engage with my art. It’s great that those who cannot afford to purchase a painting can still invest in a dress, which offers an accessible way to live with the artwork without spending a lot of money. Having multiple ways for people to collect or experience my work is truly remarkable.

Visionary Capsule Collection will launch on Thursday 13 June 2024. Available globally in selected stores and at www.stories.com.