38-39_GF.qxp_Grid 08/08/2021 13:54 Page 2
Up close with... Kendra Dandy
Fi ne And
Dandy
Something of a decorative beacon, UK Greetings’ stand at the recent PG Live beckoned retailers up to its ‘front row’ position on the mezzanine with some striking contemporary patterning - a fanfare to its new collaboration with international renowned artist Kendra Dandy. PG relished the bold exuberance of this Philadelphiaborn creative influencer and found out more about what her own brand of sassiness brings to the UKG portfolio. UK Greetings’ stand at PG Live was distinctively different from previous years, the ‘open arms’ welcome that exuded was anchored by the confident lifestyle approach taken to debut its new Bouffants & Broken Hearts collection into its Kindred brand, based on the inimitable art of Kendra Dandy. Joining the long list of high-profile collaborations with leading brands, including Anthropologie, Bobbi Brown, VANS, Kate Spade, Coach, Estee Lauder and Sephora, last month saw Kendra’s sassy, spirited art
38
PROGRESSIVE GREETINGS WORLDWIDE
springboard onto greeting cards with UKG. The new collection adds appropriate pep to the publisher’s Kindred portfolio, set to especially resonate with millennials and GenZ-ers through Kendra’s distinct style of individuality and self-expression shown in her carefree patterns, clashing colours, carefree patterns and eclectic subject matters.
Above: As well being an illustrator, artist and designer, Kendra Dandy has also done much to champion recognition for all artists. Below: Kendra Dandy’s striking work has earned her a strong following. Bottom: UKG’s Bouffants & Broken Hearts collection debuted at PG Live at the end of July.
Explaining more about this significant launch for UKG, Sandi Parisi, product director - creative said: “We love Kendra’s bold colours, humour, edge as well as glamour. We are massive fans of her work and love her collaborations with Anthropologie and Kate Spade. So, it was a natural match and a perfect fit for Kindred that believes in strong and distinct artist voices.” Over the last few years especially, Philadelphia-born Kendra has built up quite a following for her incredibly fashionable portraits, tropical surface patterns and fierce cheetah art prints. Whether created through pen and paper or stylus and iPad, Kendra’s work reflects her many inspirations which include “a lot of modern art, and art from the Impressionist era and things like nature, beauty and fashion” with current events also playing a role in her creations. Having worked with American Greetings in the States on a range of