Tuscan Dreams
The allure of Salvatore Ferragamo’s Tuscan Wildflowers with Bijou Karman
The charm and beauty of nature has long inspired artists, designers, and poets alike—birthing vivid imageries that enrapture the hearts and minds of wandering passers-by. Exploring the serene beauty and magic of the countryside around Florence—home of Ferragamo— Salvatore Ferragamo unveils Tuscan Wildflowers: a visual multimedia project that aims to connect different places and cultures from around the world. Bringing together a selection of international artists, the campaign is a celebration of identity and unbridled imagination. In a Harper’s BAZAAR exclusive interview, American artist and illustrator, Bijou Karman shares her inspiration behind the collaboration.
“I love the Econyl tote bag, made from regenerated nylon. I think it’s fabulous that Ferragamo is making an initiative to work with regenerated materials.” -BIJOU KARMAN
Please descriFe ]our artistic st]le.
My work is a mix of vintage style, fashion, plants, flowers, pop, and bright colours.
,o[ did ]ou start ]our career and iJ ]ou could start oZer, [ould ]ou choose to do this again# I started my career by sharing my work online. From there I started to pick up work and more clients. Even though I look back at some of the illustrations I posted and completely cringe now, I still think it’s a good idea to share your work as you grow as an artist. It is important to be part of the dialogue.
Do ]ou thinO the Tandemic has changed ]our aTTroach to ]our art# The pandemic has made me slow down and place more value on the time I spend creating my personal work. I loved having time to focus on my paintings, and created my biggest pieces yet during 2020.
;hat [as it aFout this collaForation that made ]ou sa] ]es# I was instantly excited to work with Ferragamo, as I love their brand. I was also thrilled with the concept for the illustrations, combining local wildflowers with the season’s accessories. I was able to draw my two favourite things: fashion and flowers!
;hat [as ]our insTiration Jor this collaForation# I took inspiration from each unique location—Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Miami. I studied their local wildflowers and tried to imagine I was creating a postcard to entice you to visit each locale.
=ou chose sTeciJic Jlo[ers Jor this collaForation, [h] is that and do the] haZe a Tarticular meaning# I chose the native wildflowers of each region, including hibiscus and naio plants for Hawaii, cactus flowers and milk thistle for the desert of Las Vegas, and beach sunflowers with palms for the Miami sunset. IJ ]ou could [rite a stor] aFout ]our art[orO Jor this collaForation, [hat [ould it entail#
It would be the story of a fabulous Tuscan woman taking a glamorous vacation all over the US, stopping at the Ferragamo boutiques in Miami, Las Vegas, and Hawaii for souvenirs along the way. ;hat is ]our oTinion on the relationshiT Fet[een Jashion and art# Do ]ou thinO there should Fe more collaForations liOe this# I meld the two in my work, and am equally inspired by both. It excites me when the two worlds collaborate, especially when it’s a designer and artist I love.
8he collection celeFrates the Feaut] oJ Jlo[ers, [hat’s ]our JaZourite ào[er# I have too many to pick just one... daisies, ranunculus, cactus flowers, and passion flowers are my favourites.
,o[ has traZelling honed ]our artistic sOills# My travels feed my bank of images and inspire me to draw new things, new colours, and new shapes.
;hat is ]our Jondest memor] oJ traZel and [here [ould ]ou liOe to Zisit ne\t# I fell in love with Mexico City, where I went with a few girlfriends. I loved the colours, the food, and the style. I would love to go back and visit other parts of Mexico too.
,aZe ]ou Feen to 8uscan]# IJ ]es, could ]ou giZe us a Je[ recommendations# I have been to Tuscany but it was ages ago! I’m afraid I’m not the best person to ask for a recommendation.