In the heart of Provence, where the sun-kissed fields stretch out in a patchwork of lavender and olive groves, there lived a young girl named Camille. Camille adored the warm summers of Provence, when the air buzzed with the song of cicadas.
One scorching afternoon, as Camille wandered through the fields near her home, she stumbled upon a group of cicadas perched on a gnarled olive tree. Their iridescent wings shimmered in the sunlight as they sang their enchanting melody, filling the air with their rhythmic chorus.
Intrigued by the magical music, Camille approached the cicadas and listened intently. To her amazement, she discovered that each cicada had its own unique song—a symphony of trills, clicks, and chirps that blended together in perfect harmony.
Captivated by their song, Camille spent the rest of the summer days sitting beneath the olive tree, listening to the cicadas' captivating melodies. She learned to distinguish between the different species of cicadas based on their songs, and she marvelled at the beauty of their intricate patterns and vibrant colours.
As the summer drew to a close and the days grew shorter, Camille's time with the cicadas came to an end. But their song remained etched in her memory, a cherished reminder of the fleeting beauty of summer in Provence.
Years passed, and Camille grew into a young woman, but she never forgot the enchanting cicadas of Provence. Whenever she heard their song on warm summer evenings, she was transported back to those carefree days beneath the olive tree, surrounded by the beauty of the French countryside.
And so, the cicadas of Provence continued to serenade the land with their timeless melody, a testament to the enduring magic of summer in the south of France.
Follow the progress of Astille's upcoming collection - Cicada Symphony (Les Cigales) - A Summer in Provence.
THE PRINT
The print is a whimsical fusion of botanical drawings of cicadas and the nostalgic charm of retro holiday postcards, delicately rendered on a luxurious linen fabric. Against a soft, natural-toned background reminiscent of aged parchment, intricate illustrations of cicadas take center stage, each meticulously detailed with delicate wings, slender antennae, and intricate patterns.
The cicadas are portrayed in various stages of flight, perched delicately on slender branches or captured mid-flutter, their ethereal beauty captured in exquisite detail. Their bodies are adorned with vibrant hues of emerald green, sapphire blue, and golden amber, evoking the iridescence of their natural counterparts found in the sun-drenched landscapes of Provence.
Intertwined with the botanical drawings are subtle elements reminiscent of retro holiday postcards, adding a touch of vintage charm to the print. Faded stamps and postmarks, weathered edges, and handwritten script lend an air of nostalgia, transporting the viewer to a bygone era of leisurely summer holidays and timeless elegance.
The linen fabric enhances the vintage aesthetic of the print, adding texture and depth to the design. Soft and breathable, with a gentle drape, the fabric exudes a relaxed sophistication, perfect for warm summer days and balmy evenings spent savouring the beauty of Provence.
Whether fashioned into a breezy sundress, a lightweight scarf, or elegant curtains for a sunlit Provencal villa, this botanical-inspired print infuses any garment or home accessory with the timeless allure of cicadas and the romance of vintage postcards, capturing the essence of Provence in every stitch.
Stay tuned for updates on the collection!