CASE STUDY · ARTIST COLLABORATION
Merlette NYC
CASE STUDY · ARTIST COLLABORATION
Project Overview
In 2022, my studio partnered with Minneapolis-based artist Suyao Tian and Merlette NYC to lead creative development for a bespoke print featured in their Spring 2023 collection. The core challenge was two-fold: sourcing an artist who aligned with the client's vision while successfully translating that artist’s expressive work into a scalable, commercially viable print.
Read more about the project in Merlette’s journal.
CASE STUDY · ARTIST COLLABORATION
Creative Brief
Merlette, a brand defined by structural silhouettes, textural interest, and refined color, sought an exclusive print collaboration for their Spring 2023 Collection (No. 14). The creative print brief emphasized a sophisticated aesthetic, with a focus on abstract technique, thoughtful composition, and floral-inspired motifs.
Among the reference artists shown by Merlette were Helen Dealtry and Jen Garrido (shown at right).
CASE STUDY · ARTIST COLLABORATION
Insights
Leveraging my studio’s network and deep community knowledge, I curated a selection of artists, strategically positioning Suyao Tian as an ideal partner. Her elegant, fluid hand and sophisticated use of color met the brief’s requirements perfectly.
I always enjoy the opportunity to broker unconventional partnerships — introducing artists to a new market or approach almost always yields innovative and exciting results.
CASE STUDY · ARTIST COLLABORATION
Process
As this was Suyao’s first commercial print design project, it was essential that I steward the process with transparency and clarity. Acting as the bridge between her intent and the brand’s needs, I built a foundation of trust that allowed me to steer the Merlette team toward the motifs, gestures and color that would translate most effectively into a scalable design.
To execute the digital translation, I enlisted production designer Rachel Parker, whose technical expertise ensured the nuances of Suyao’s watercolor hand would be preserved through the repeat build and printing process. In overseeing the fine-tuning of color, composition and scale with Rachel, I was confident the final pattern met Merlette’s manufacturing standards without sacrificing the integrity of Suyao’s original work.
CASE STUDY · ARTIST COLLABORATION
Artist’s Perspective
“[Sullivan Street Studio] believed that my creative vision and expertise would be a perfect fit for the project, and that our collaboration would yield exceptional results. I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to work with such talented and visionary partners, and I accepted the offer with enthusiasm. Together, we worked closely to develop a unique and innovative pattern that reflected our shared commitment to excellence and beauty.”
- SUYAO TIAN
CASE STUDY · ARTIST COLLABORATION
Impact
The final print was featured across multiple silhouettes in the Spring 2023 collection, elevating the Merlette brand through a sophisticated, artist-driven concept.
The collection launched with an integrated marketing story featuring 90s-era supermodel Kirsty Hume. It was sold via Merlette’s flagship digital channel and through luxury stockists including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Moda Operandi.
