Kate Porter for Kate & Kole — An Exclusive Summer Holiday Gift Wrap

  1. Kate Porter for Kate & Kole

    An Exclusive Summer Holiday Gift Wrap

  1. This season, we’re celebrating the art of giving through a limited-edition collaboration with Australian creative — Kate Porter. Designed exclusively for Kate & Kole, this bespoke wrapping print reimagines the joy of summer gifting — shimmering with nostalgia, sentiment and the magic of sun-drenched days.

    Inspired by the way light dances across diamonds and the warmth of balmy Australian evenings, the artwork captures a mood that carries through the entire holiday season. A hand-scripted phrase, framed by delicate free-drawn stars, evokes the romance of summer nights, the promise of possibility and the intimate ritual of giving something meaningful.

    We spoke with Kate about her inspiration, her gifting philosophy and the emotion woven into each element of this celebratory design.

  2. What inspired the artwork behind this exclusive wrapping print and where did the first spark come from?

    The kaleidoscope effect present in a selection of Kate & Kole images, where the sunlight plays on the diamonds inspired a shimmering concept.  Additionally, inspiration was drawn from the considered and delicate nature of the Kate & Kole brand ethos and collection itself.  

    I believe the timeless script is a chic extension of the current packaging and K&K colour palette and art direction.  The key inspiration was the notion of Australian holiday nostalgia; feelings evoked from sun on the skin and balmy summer nights. 

    With the hand script phrase determined, the free hand stars surrounding were appointed to capture  a sense of holiday magic.  Inspired by astrology and aspirations, the inclusion of stars resonated with past holidays and a sense of magic at all ages, feeling that anything is possible and contentment all at once.  

    Mindful to avoid literal or traditional holiday references and graphics, opting rather for an elevated, chic and alluring phrase inspired by the notion of shimmering, sparkling diamonds in both day and night settings.

  1. What did the creative process look like from sketch to final design?

    The creative process commenced through the collection of images, including Kate & Kole’s own images to identify and develop the concept direction.  Exploration of script and phrases unravelled through repetitive script play, a process always accompanied by music to set the tone. Music and the concept imagery seem to diffuse any attached creative inhibitions, unlocking a state of ‘elusive creative genius’ where the ideas seem to reveal themselves…

  1. How would you describe the mood, feeling or story embedded in this piece?

    A mood that sets the gifting experience with a subtle, chic nod to balmy Australian summer holidays, pairing with the pieces of the K&K collection. The loose, romantic style of the script paired with a constellation of stars invites a sense of nostalgia and an exploration to dream a little too. A star studded night sky and words are some of the most powerful creative influences I lean into in my own life.  My hope is this is captured as part of the gifting experience, through tangible paper pieces and a little magic evoked for both the gifting party and the recipient. 

  2. What mediums or techniques did you use to bring the artwork to life?

    The design was hand scripted, with hand drawn, imperfect star arrangements to complement the script.  I wanted the timeless script to be featured alongside the playful stars, carefully yet asymmetrically appointed to create a sense of warmth and imagination. 

  3. How does this print reflect your personal aesthetic or artistic philosophy?

    The hand scripted phrase and sketched stars that form the design really embody my personal aesthetic; refined yet playful and authentic. An artistic philosophy driven by imagination, sentiment and boldness is often leading my creative, business and personal journey and is present in the print pieces for Kate & Kole.  

  2. What does the act of gifting mean to you and how did that influence your approach to this collaboration?

    Personally, gifting is a real love language.  The process of gift planning and curating a gift for someone special is something I have always loved. Considered gifting and sentimental pieces greatly influenced the style of the collaboration, seeking to design pieces that capture Kate & Kole’s collection, my own style and the emotive experience of  gifting.

  1. How did collaborating with Kate & Kole inform your creative direction?

    I believe collaborations are only truly effective when brands authentically align and connect in the collective vision.  Collaborating with Kate & Kole enabled me to extract their values and compose a creative direction that felt inherent to their brand and aesthetic.  

    Kate & Kole’s chic, timeless and minimal aesthetic was the origin of the creative direction - with the inspiration imagery, script and direction aligning to their overall brand aesthetic. 

    It is a privilege to work with Kate & Kole to create the limited holiday edition gift set.  The creative process and conversation with Kate & Kole heightening the experience and final designs. 

  2. When you see your artwork being shared during the gifting season, what do you hope it adds to the moment?

    The script forming the holiday edition is phrased to appeal to romantic gifting as well as including gifts to self, gifts to loved ones. It was important to me to capture the warm, sentimental feeling I reflect on when gifting.  

    ‘‘Sun sparkling, stars dancing’’ - an alluring phrase that I hope further transcends the Kate & Kole collection and extends the gifting experience beyond the initial unwrapping moment.