In this time of upheaval, brands across the design spectrum are recognising the mood, offering both charitable endeavours and creative respite.

Cartier UK’s Over the Rainbow challenge, launched last month, is a case in point. The initiative sees the brand show its support for the NHS by inviting participants to interpret the now ubiquitous rainbow. The challenge, which accompanies Cartier’s NHS Charities Together, saw a host of artists and designers including Stephen Jones, Joel-Peter Witkin and Curtis Kulig keen to get involved. The winner will see their submission exhibited at New Bond Street, once reopened.

Roksanda Ilincic, who incorporated a prism of colour into her show for London Fashion Week earlier this year, says: ‘It felt fitting to include the collaboration I did with artist Rana Begum for my A/W 20 show, entitled No. 976 Net, given the spirit of partnership in which it was created.’ Her submission, pictured above, celebrates colour in all its graceful fluidity. ‘For me, it represents the sense of togetherness and solidarity we have witnessed in supporting the NHS over the last few months, and with the added vibrancy, it creates a beautifully abstracted rainbow – a symbol which is now synonymous with feelings of hope and positivity and all the amazing frontline workers.’

Laurent Feniou, managing director of Cartier UK, agrees: ‘These colourful displays of solidarity are a wonderful tribute to the tireless work carried out by the NHS.’ Cartier will continue to support their community into next year with the Cartier Women’s Initiative, which provides female entrepreneurs with the financial, social and human capital necessary to grow a business. Applications for 2021 are open now until 31 July. 

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