A.P.C. and Jessica Ogden Launch 30th QUILTS Collection Inspired by Brighton Tilework

The 30th edition of the A.P.C. QUILTS collection, a continuing textile collaboration between French fashion brand A.P.C. and British designer Jessica Ogden, has been released. This iteration of the series draws its design inspiration from the distinctive tiled entrance steps found on Victorian-era houses in Brighton, England. The QUILTS project, initiated by A.P.C. founder Jean Touitou and designer Jessica Ogden, reframes the quilt as a medium for artistic expression and material reuse, moving beyond its traditional function as a decorative item. Ogden, known for her expertise in patchwork and handcrafted construction, approaches quilting as a method of salvaging and reassembling materials, lending a consistent and unique sensibility to each installment of the series.

The creative process for this collection involved a deliberate abstraction of the architectural source material. Photographers captured images of the mosaic tilework adorning the entrance stairs of Brighton's Victorian homes, details often overlooked by pedestrians. These photographs were then printed, and the printed patterns were subsequently cut and reassembled to form collages. The resulting quilts can be described as an abstraction of an abstraction, translating the original architectural motifs into a new textile language. This approach highlights A.P.C.'s brand ethos of restraint and material honesty, which is complemented by Ogden's tactile and improvisational design methodology. The collection's focus on the overlooked architectural details of Brighton's Victorian homes underscores a theme of finding beauty and inspiration in everyday, often unappreciated, elements of the urban landscape.

Jessica Ogden's involvement with A.P.C. for the QUILTS series began with the aim of exploring the potential of textiles as a canvas for craft and sustainable practices. Her background in hand-driven construction and patchwork techniques has been instrumental in shaping the series' aesthetic and conceptual direction. Each quilt produced under the QUILTS banner is a testament to her ability to transform disparate elements into cohesive and visually striking pieces. The collaboration with A.P.C., a brand recognized for its minimalist approach and commitment to quality materials, provides a platform for Ogden's more experimental and artisanal work. The 30th chapter signifies a significant milestone in this ongoing partnership, demonstrating the enduring appeal and creative synergy between the designer and the fashion house. The collection's debut on the English coast, specifically in Brighton, further grounds the project in a tangible sense of place, connecting the designs directly to their geographical and historical origins.

The specific patterns captured from Brighton's Victorian tilework were meticulously documented through photography. Multiple angles were utilized to ensure a comprehensive representation of each unique design. The subsequent printing of these photographic images served as the raw material for the collage-making process. By deconstructing and reassembling these printed patterns, Ogden and A.P.C. created new visual compositions that echo the spirit of the original tilework while introducing a fresh interpretation. This method of working emphasizes a layered approach to design, where the final product is a result of multiple stages of mediation and creative intervention. The collection's release marks the 30th installment in a series that has consistently pushed the boundaries of textile design, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of fashion, art, and architecture.