Collection story

ahilya's 2010 collection draws inspiration from the stringent modernity of the Surrealist movement.

Andre Breton's poème-objet series assembled text and object in a manner which aimed to transcend the traditional boundaries between idea and physicality.

This juxtaposition of contemporary and ancient, of whimsicality and playfulness with challenging aesthetic statement corresponds to the diverse moods of ahilya's 2010 designs, producing at times the fierce sensuality of urban luxury, at times the tenderness of a poetic antiquity.

Each piece melds modern trim with the finest traditional cashmere, reflecting ahilya's...

belief in combining the best artisanal methods with the vibrancy of London's creative capital.

The collection features collaborations with emerging design talent Jane Rutter and artist Lela Shields, always considering the potential for surprise and defiance inherent in Surrealism. Displaced objects such as Duchamp's "Bicycle Wheel" remind us of resonance beyond functionality, whilst Breton's poetic collage initiates associative journeys within every wearer.

With each piece in the 2010 collection, ahilya challenges the categorisations of form and function. Whether gossamer wings for city fairies or delicately shredded armour, ahilya shawls are fancifully versatile whilst remaining superlatively luxurious. This season, the use of delicate oxidised chains, faceted globes, geometric and botanic lace sequences and ultra-loose weaves suggest a romantic, fiercely adventurous mood, taking the shawl beyond accessory into statement.