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The brand was founded in 2016 by artist and designer Darshana Shilpi Rouget. Nested in the historic Belgravia Mews, the studio serves as an incubator for wearable textile art.
“Collaboration is at the core of the brand, inspired by the Renaissance practice of keeping a friendship book – album amicorum in Latin.”
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Darshana’s life across continents and her wish to stay connected with friends and artists worldwide laid the foundation for Alba Amicorum. Inspired by the 16th-century alba amicorum — books of friendship filled with musings, illustrations, and contributions from peers — our scarves become canvases of connection, turning fabric into a personal means of communication.
“Each scarf is an artwork — unframed to be worn, lived with, and personally reimagined.”
Collaborating artists span generations, cultural backgrounds, and media, including the Man Ray Trust, painter Mary Jones, writer Ross Klavan, and photographer James T. Murray. Their work is translated onto the finest silks and cashmere by Italian artisans in Como, who produce scarves for the world’s most prestigious designers.
Each limited-edition piece includes a numbered certificate and is presented in low-waste wheat-straw paper packaging. Learn more about our sustainable approach in our journal entry.
Beyond scarves, Alba Amicorum’s atelier also represents original artworks and prints by collaborating visual and performing artists.