Shapes of Light: The Artistic Collaboration of Xiaoxi Zhang and Johnstons of Elgin

Abstract Designs Transformed into Wearable Art

Nancy Zhang, the creative mind behind the collaboration, has taken her personal illustration project "Light Seeker" to new heights by expressing her artistic vision through textile technology. The collaboration with Johnstons of Elgin allowed her to combine fashion design with her passion for art. The theme of "Shapes of Light" is an extension of her personal project, exploring the relationship between light and our perception of the environment. Does light shape our appearance, or do we construct what light looks like?

The uniqueness of the "Shapes of Light" collection lies not only in its fashion-forward designs but also in its artistic endeavor. Each scarf is a masterpiece that showcases the fusion of art and craftsmanship. From dyeing to blending, carding to spinning, weaving to finishing, every step in the manufacturing process is meticulously executed by the skilled craftspeople at Johnstons of Elgin.

The collection features three designs: Sunrise, Building Light, and Moonlight. The Sunrise scarf captures the beauty of the sunrise on the sea with its striped and gradient colors. Building Light draws inspiration from the warm lights of city buildings at night, depicted through a plaid graphic. Moonlight portrays the soft, cloudless moonlight of a summer evening with its gentle gradient colors.

The manufacturing process for the Sunrise and Moonlight scarves involves the collaboration between Johnstons of Elgin's craft design department and dye house. Using advanced jacquard machines, over 10 colors are woven into each scarf, with each color dyed in the Elgin mill. On average, 33 craftspeople contribute to the making of each cashmere scarf, ensuring the highest quality and attention to detail. The signature ripple finish, achieved through traditional hand-worked teasels, gives the scarves a beautifully soft handle.

The Building Light scarf, also manufactured in Johnstons of Elgin, showcases the expertise of the mill's craftsmen. Using a dobby loom, the scarf is woven with precision, and each color is dyed in the Elgin mill. The same attention to detail and hand-finishing techniques are applied to achieve the signature ripple finish.

The "Shapes of Light" scarves come in different sizes, with the Sunrise and Moonlight scarves measuring 190mm in length and 35mm in width, while the Building Light scarf measures 180mm in length and 25cm in width. These scarves are not only fashionable accessories but also tangible art pieces that can be worn or displayed as home decorations.

The collaboration between Xiaoxi Zhang and Johnstons of Elgin began in February 2021 in Berlin, Germany, and the products were completed in September 2021 in Elgin, Scotland. The scarves are currently available in Shanghai, China, bringing the artistry of "Shapes of Light" to a global audience.

Xiaoxi Zhang's "Shapes of Light" collaboration with Johnstons of Elgin is a testament to the transformative power of art and craftsmanship. By merging abstract illustrations with woven textile technology, these scarves become more than just accessories; they become wearable art pieces that celebrate the beauty of light and the skill of the artisans who bring them to life.