By Louise Irvine

In 2010, as animals and birds began migrating from Ardmore ceramics to stunning textiles, their Qalakabusha collection, meaning “new beginnings,” won international design awards. A new audience became aware of the remote studio pottery in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, prompting Fèe Halsted and her family to experiment with more fabric designs. At the 2013 Maison et Objet show in Paris, they met Hermès representatives and were commissioned to design their first silk scarf, which marked the beginning of their fusion of art and fashion.

This was a very meaningful opportunity for Fèe, as a treasured silk scarf patterned with vibrant flora and fauna, purchased in London, inspired her first art pottery in 1985. During her collaboration with the world-famous French fashion house, Fèe worked with her daughters, Catherine and Megan Berning, and talented Ardmore painters, including Sydney Nyabeze and Jabu Nene, to create four stunning silk scarf patterns: La Marche du Zambezi, Savanna Dance, Flowers of Africa, and Baobab Cat. In addition to silk scarves and wraps, Hermès introduced swimwear and beach towels featuring Ardmore’s beautiful designs. Their patterns were even used on Hermès surfboards. 

Meanwhile, the Ardmore designers continued designing their own fabric collection. One of Megan’s first creative ventures was designing handbags using the first Ardmore fabrics. They were featured in Ardmore’s new Johannesburg shop, alongside table linens, pillows, and fabrics sold by the yard. 

At the end of their Hermès contract, the Ardmore team decided to design silk scarves for their own brand, which was launched in 2023. Their first design, featuring Jonah and the Whale with heavenly angels, was a tribute to Bonnie Ntshalintshali, Fèe’s first artist and collaborator. They also unveiled the Sabie Kings collection, inspired by the rare King Cheetah, which was first spotted in Zimbabwe in 1926. The majestic cheetahs play in a lush landscape of aloes and impala lilies. 

In the Protea Plains design, a stylized cheetah and a zebra dart through a field of protea flowers. South Africa’s national flower represents strength, courage and resilience as it regenerates itself after brush fires. The Phinda Pride design takes its name from the Phinda Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, home to the Big Five animals and more than 380 bird species. The elusive Turaco watches two serene lionesses in the dense foliage of the sand forest. Phinda takes its name from the Zulu for “return of wildlife,” referring to the restocking of degraded farmland with wildlife managed sustainably.

Conservation efforts to protect the rhino inspired Ardmore’s limited edition Armoured Warrior collection in 2024. Statistics indicate that one rhino is killed every day – making the ongoing fight against poaching a critical tool in ensuring the future of this majestic creature. A percentage of each scarf sale went to the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary, which runs rescue, rehabilitation and rewilding programs for orphaned and injured rhinos.

This spring, Ardmore is launching Hoopoe Hop, a joyful tribute to one of Africa’s most beloved birds. The Greeks regarded this striking crested bird as the ruler of the avian kingdom, and in ancient Egypt, the hoopoe was considered sacred. In addition to its popularity in Africa, it was chosen as Israel’s national bird in 2008. 

Each Ardmore scarf pattern is 100% silk with hand-rolled edges and offered in a variety of colors and sizes. In addition to the popular 90 x 90 cm silk squares (35.43 inches), Ardmore produces safari wraps in luxurious wool and modal measuring 135 x 135 cm (53.15 inches). Their silk twills, less than 2 inches wide, are versatile accessories which can be styled as headbands, bracelets, neckties and bag charms. 

The Ardmore Studio’s ceramic heritage and extensive textile design experience have been combined with Africa’s rich cultural tapestry to create wearable works of art. Hear the story of their evolution from Megan Berning, the Managing Director of Ardmore Ceramics, during our Safari Strut event at WMODA on Saturday, March 7. Safari Strut event page

Read more about Ardmore Fashion and Design
Bonnie Collection
Sabie Kings Collection
Armoured Warriors Collection
Protea Plains Scarf Collection
Hoopoes at WMODA
Mar. 7 Safari Strut