Behind the Design: The Bordeaux Floral Scarf by Libby Bell

Behind the Design: The Bordeaux Floral Scarf by Libby Bell

As part of the Sarah Flint x Mary Orton collaboration, South Africa–based watercolor artist Libby Bell returns for a second partnership with us. Her earlier work with Sarah Flint first caught Mary’s eye, sparking a creative connection that made this three-way collaboration feel inevitable. Known for her delicate detail and story-rich botanicals, Libby brings autumn to life in scarf form, creating a piece that feels both timeless and deeply personal.

How did you interpret the inspiration and design brief for this scarf, and what drew you to the elements you chose to highlight?

Opening up a new mail from Sarah is always exciting and this one was no different. I’ve also worked with Mary before so knowing this would be a collaboration between those two powerhouses of fashion and style made me so excited to read the brief.

I loved the autumnal colour palette from the get-go: rich coffee tones and deep burgundy with touches of navy and cream - and of course my favourite colour: a silky olive green. It felt chic yet cosy and my mind immediately starting picturing the luxe botanicals I could paint to make a silk scarf in these colours come alive. We’d already discussed the use of dahlias in the design so I knew I’d be painting them in my usual classical watercolour style, hoping to do justice to Sarah Flint’s legacy of exquisite classical footwear silhouettes, as well as Mary’s timeless and elegant style of dressing.

I have always loved painting butterflies so when Sarah suggested including beautiful moths and insects, I was thrilled. The design is laid out on a black ground so when I look at this scarf I feel like I’m walking through a lush garden in the middle of the night surrounded by delicate moths, beautiful beetles and a dragonfly with flitting wings reflecting pin pricks of moonlight.

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Can you share a bit about your creative process or techniques you used while bringing it to life?

From a styling point of view, Mary had indicated that the center of the scarf remain free of illustrations so as to frame the face in black when draped around the neck. I had the image of a ‘wreath’ of botanicals in my head and so when ‘constructing’ the design, I started by painting the botanicals individually - all with curved stems - so that I could assimilate them onto a beautiful circular design once they were completed.

I paint in watercolour on a beautiful soft 100% cotton paper from Italy - which absolutely felt fitting for this project as Sarah Flint’s stunning silk scarves are made in Lake Como. I have a very traditional style and like to capture the finest details of my subjects when I paint. I feel like this where Sarah and I - and Mary too, of course - have always found common ground: in our commitment to an incredible level of attention to detail.

Once I had completed my meticulous paintings, they were scanned in hi-res - so as to capture every brushstroke - and then digitally cleaned and placed into the design. With much back and forth, ensuring the design captured the exact look and feel Sarah and Mary wanted, we tweaked and edited and settled on the final design that we hope you are going to love as much as we do.

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What tools or materials were essential in creating the design?

Tools: Watercolour paints, brushes and paper, many years of Adobe design software experience and a whole lot of love for all things art, fashion and beauty!

Do you have a favorite detail or element in the scarf that feels especially “you”?

I feel like the insects (chosen SO carefully to be the most beautiful) are like little hidden jewels in this design. Each one you spot is more perfect and detailed than the next. They were also all selected for their incredible geometric patterning in order to seamlessly intertwine the geometric borders of the scarf with the natural theme of botanicals and insects, creating a design that feels edgy and chic whilst paying homage to traditional art making, fine craftsmanship and the wonder of the natural world.

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How do you imagine people styling or wearing this piece?

This scarf is going to be an absolute staple in your autumn/winter arsenal of accessories. I think a lot of the time people feel they need to forfeit style for warmth in these colder months, but this beautiful silk and cashmere scarf is the solution to that problem. It’ll keep you so warm and toasty but looking and feeling as though you haven’t had to compromise one bit on style. The colour palette is designed so as to match your favourite brown leather fall handbag or your trusty navy Sarah Flint pumps. Any timeless fall coat would pair beautifully with this scarf draped elegantly around your neck - and even worn as a head scarf for those days when you’re out and about and the wind is a bit much for sensitive ears. Pop a pair of elegant sunglasses on too and the look is complete.

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What does it mean to you to see your artwork featured in the Sarah Flint x Mary Orton collection?

It’s an honour and a privilege to see my work associated with the Sarah Flint brand again - and working with Sarah and her team is never anything short of lovely. Mary too is just delightful and makes every situation fun and enjoyable. Sometime I have to pinch myself when I see an email thread between myself, Sarah, and Mary. It’s been a dream project and I feel the whole collection is going to blow everyone away!

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