Deadly Ponies deliver the unexpected with its first drop from the Spring/Summer 22 collection. Image supplied.
Creative inspiration can spring from the most unexpected places.
While at first impression, any cohesion between the art of ceramics and the creation of Deadly Ponies highly sought-after leather bags may seem highly unlikely – think again.
The minds behind Deadly Ponies, led by founder Liam Bowden, are clearly adept at blurring the lines between the expected and unexpected. Proof of this is evident in the first glimpse of the new Spring/Summer 22 collection.
With showstopping designs of alluring pleats, ridges, and folds (in earthy shades of volcanic ash and hints of unfired terracotta), there’s an underlying respectful nod to this season’s muse: avant-garde ceramicist George Ohr.
If George Ohr’s work has never landed on your radar, then prepare to be educated (and perhaps even inspired). Dubbed ‘The Mad Potter of Biloxi’, Ohr is widely regarded as one of America’s true pioneers of ceramics, pioneering a world and style far ahead of his time (fun fact: his fantastic moustache was so long, he wore it wrapped around his head).
Rich in fascinating shapes, vibrant colours, and fluid folds, his celebration of form continues to inspire long after his passing more than a century ago. It was Ohr’s celebration of structure and form that struck a chord for Deadly Ponies.
“When I first came across his work, I was mesmerised by how each piece twisted and folded into different shapes,” says creative director Liam Bowden.
“I thought a lot of the ceramics were reminiscent of pieces in our collection and was inspired as to how we could replicate these textures and pleating in our bags and accessories.”
As well as soft greys (macadamia and steel), muted scallop, and terracotta shades, Deadly Ponies has turned the throttle up with the wickedly enticing Ember Python colourway. A fabrication crafted in Italy and digitally printed, this embrace of colour is a response to Ohr’s vibrant glazes used on his pottery – unorthodox for that time – and highly aligned with Deadly Ponies’ signature style of playfulness, sophistication, and the desirable.
Intertwined with a reputation for creating seriously collectable leather bags and accessories is Deadly Ponies’ mission to become the world’s most responsible handbag brand, making a public commitment to be transparent, considered, accountable, and innovative in everything it does. As part of the brand’s six key achievements to reach that goal is achieving Carbon Zero certification. This was recently reached through a partnership with globally recognised organisation Toitū Envirocare.
Images supplied.