Grace Coddington, the legendary stylist whose innovative work has shaped the fashion world, has brought her unique touch to a charming collaboration with Astier de Villatte. Unveiled at a chic soirée on the Lower East Side, the collection marries Coddington’s artistic sensibilities with Astier de Villatte’s artisanal craftsmanship.
The event, held in the Parisian brand’s New York boutique on November 19, was a gathering of industry luminaries, rising stars, and style aficionados. Attendees sipped champagne as they browsed, admired, and shopped the playful collection.
Coddington’s collaboration features a series of ornate ceramics, including teacups, saucers, teapots, and a sugar bowl adorned with her playful illustrations. Mischievous cats sip tea, read newspapers, and enjoy leisurely moments alongside friendly mice. The black-and-red drawings, printed in relief on the white ceramic, exude a chic, hand-painted effect. The collection extends to luxury letterpress cards, showcasing the same illustrations with timeless craftsmanship.
Coddington, who is famously a devoted cat mom, often draws inspiration from her feline companions. Her love for them is evident in the collection, where the cats seem to channel her own serene and thoughtful energy. When asked about the best part of having cats in her life, she tells GRAZIA USA it’s about “having all those furry companions to comfort you in times of stress.” And on the day-to-day? Coddington notes that they’re also the perfect companions to enjoy your life with.
This venture is a testament to Coddington’s ability to evolve while staying true to her artistic spirit. From her beginnings as a model in the 1960s — photographed by legends like Helmut Newton and Guy Bourdin — to her decades defining the fashion world at Vogue, Coddington has always understood the intersection of storytelling and visual art. This collection is no exception; it feels personal, imaginative, and deeply Grace.
“It [Astier de Villatte collaboration] means my career didn’t have to stop dead when I moved over from magazines,” Coddington openly shares with us as she reflects on her journey moving from magazines to this new artistic venture. “Because there isn’t so much work for me anymore as a stylist, it is great to do something completely different.”
Astier de Villatte, known for reviving Parisian 18th-century artisanal traditions, has found a kindred spirit in Coddington. Together, they’ve created a collection that feels timeless yet utterly original, blending fashion, art, and craft into objects meant to be cherished.
As the champagne flowed and conversations buzzed, the event felt like more than just a product launch — it was a celebration of creativity, nostalgia, and the unwavering allure of Grace Coddington. For a woman who has spent her life shaping how we see fashion as art, this collaboration is a fitting reminder that her legacy continues to expand, one mischievous cat at a time.
