Collaborative design has always been the cornerstone of the Johannesburg-based textile design studio Something Good Studio. Its latest collaboration with local illustrator Yay Abe – the first chapter of a long-term creative partnership – sees knitted textiles transformed into wearable works of art.
WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied
Blurring the boundaries between design and art, the Yay Abe x Something Good Studio collection brings the bold, joy-filled illustrations of Russell Abrahams – aka Yay Abe – into the world of knitted textiles, with each piece designed as both a functional, wearable object and a work of art.
Created through an unhurried, collaborative process that honoured the craft at every stage, each piece carries the shared vision of the artist and the makers alike – to create garments and textiles as enduring as they are beautiful.
The ‘From Her Vase’ Artist Designed Blanket is the centrepiece of the Yay Abe x Something Good Studio collection. The intricately patterned knitted blanket was inspired by a study of how women are often depicted in illustration – fragmented, objectified or isolated. Russell sets out to reimagine women as whole beings, engaged and present in everyday life. Here, the scene centres on a female figure seated next to a vase marked with a peace sign, an emblem that runs throughout the collection. From above, water cascades down towards her, nourishing the vessel and the plant that blooms from it – a symbol of generosity, growth and renewal.
Russell’s formal approach is influenced by the ornate motifs of blue-and-white china – cherished family heirlooms in many South African households – and the bold, timeless compositions of Mexican muralists like Diego Rivera, whose work Russell encountered first-hand while painting a mural in Guadalajara in early 2025. Through this confluence of sources, the design carries a sense of both intimacy and monumentality.
The Peace Vessel Tee was designed in collaboration with Romaria as part of the Yay Abe x Something Good Studio collection. Embroidered onto the pocket of this unisex tee is a sign emblematic of the collection, reflecting the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect for one another’s artistry. Staying true to Romaria’s craft, the stripes aren’t printed but knitted directly into the fabric – a signature of Something Good Studio’s knitwear brand that gives the tee its rare, enduring quality.
The third piece in this collection – created with Romaria, Something Good Studio’s knitwear brand – is the Rooted Coat. The coat draws on Russell’s roots in botanical illustration for major brands. The design speaks to confidence grounded in self-worth and the beauty that blooms from this inner strength. The kimono-like silhouette remains understated, while flowers bloom from the bottom upwards, adding an organic richness to its simplicity. somethinggoodstudio.com | @yay_abe
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