Givenchy and Hepburn, Saint Laurent and de la Falaise... the relationship between designer and muse has been integral to fashion history. Our favorite contemporary designers and their influences are no exception. This season, we asked designers to photograph the people, places, or objects that inspired their Fall/Winter 2012 collections. From batmobiles in Paris to the best skate spots in Moscow, they did not disappoint. Check out what else they came up with in our new series, "Under the Influence."
Each new season, Mother of Pearl designers Maia Norman and Amy Powney collaborate with a different artist to create the prints that drive their collection. A past season collaborator, taxidermy artist Polly Morgan, serves as the brand’s perennial muse.
Who is your muse? It changes all of the time, though this season Polly Morgan has been our inspiration.
When was the first time you met? She was carrying a bag of squirrels on the 228 bus in London.
How to they influence you? She's very Duchampian. I love her delicacy.
What’s the relationship between designer and muse? It all takes place in our collective imagination, like having an invisible friend.
Does your inspiration change from season to season? Is there any sort of concept that you feel always has an influence on your collection? Always. The mind of a good artist is always an inspiration.
Have you and your muse ever worked collaboratively? If so, how? Creating two gorgeous, luxe, limited-edition silk T-shirts together for Christmas 2011.
What is your favorite thing to do together? We love looking into her freezer and hearing her hatch plans.
Does he/she have a secret talent? What is it? She's a very good swimmer.
Do you have any secret talents? I make a beautiful snack tray and I dye cats.
Where did you shoot these photos? Does the place hold any special significance to you? These pictures make me feel chic, naughty, and strong.
In another life, my muse was: My other muse in life today is adrenaline––it brings me to new places, keeps me on my toes, and makes me feel alive.
Shop all Mother of Pearl here | View all "Under the Influence" stories here![]()
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Each new season, Mother of Pearl designers Maia Norman and Amy Powney collaborate with a different artist to create the prints that drive their collection. A past season collaborator, taxidermy artist Polly Morgan, serves as the brand’s perennial muse.
Who is your muse? It changes all of the time, though this season Polly Morgan has been our inspiration.
When was the first time you met? She was carrying a bag of squirrels on the 228 bus in London.
How to they influence you? She's very Duchampian. I love her delicacy.
What’s the relationship between designer and muse? It all takes place in our collective imagination, like having an invisible friend.
Does your inspiration change from season to season? Is there any sort of concept that you feel always has an influence on your collection? Always. The mind of a good artist is always an inspiration.
Have you and your muse ever worked collaboratively? If so, how? Creating two gorgeous, luxe, limited-edition silk T-shirts together for Christmas 2011.
What is your favorite thing to do together? We love looking into her freezer and hearing her hatch plans.
Does he/she have a secret talent? What is it? She's a very good swimmer.
Do you have any secret talents? I make a beautiful snack tray and I dye cats.
Where did you shoot these photos? Does the place hold any special significance to you? These pictures make me feel chic, naughty, and strong.
In another life, my muse was: My other muse in life today is adrenaline––it brings me to new places, keeps me on my toes, and makes me feel alive.
Shop all Mother of Pearl here | View all "Under the Influence" stories here
