VIVIERS unveils its Spring/Summer 2026 collection, ‘SCARAB: I am a Spiral Within, Eye Within the Spiral’, a study in transformation, inner stillness, and the power of intention. Inspired by the ancient symbolism of the scarab beetle—an emblem of rebirth, creation, and cyclical renewal—the collection meditates on how our thoughts, breath, and words shape the world we inhabit.
Creative Director Lezanne Viviers describes the catalyst moment: “Two identical scarabs landed near me within a week. It felt like a sign—transformation. A reminder that I create my own reality.” This became the anchor for a collection deeply rooted in self-awareness, resonance, and the spiral as a symbol for personal and collective evolution.
The collection explores reflection, mirroring and interconnectedness at a pivotal time in global consciousness. It asks: How do our thoughts and words project our reality? Can alignment with the earth’s natural resonance—its Schumann heartbeat—shift both inner and outer worlds? What happens when we respond with intention rather than react from emotion?
Drawing from sacred geometry, mysticism, Eastern teachings around the mantra OM, and literary and mythic references—from Thoth’s Emerald Tablets to The Picture of Dorian Gray—SCARAB proposes that sound, frequency, and awareness co-create our lived experience.
As Viviers notes: “Words are vessels of energy that mold not just our experiences but the very fabric of our physical reality.”
All imagery courtesy of Viviers
The scarab symbolizes metamorphosis, a new consciousness arising from the void. It mirrors the belief that each individual is a universe—divine, resonant, and capable of shaping collective frequency. Through stillness, breath, and repetition, intention becomes creation.
SCARAB’s forms echo the beetle’s curved exoskeleton—rounded, cocooned silhouettes, sculpted seams, and protective shells. These shapes are expressed through both soft draping and precise structure, symbolizing the interplay between inner stillness and outward transformation.
The palette draws directly from the scarab beetle’s iridescence: Emerald greens, Holographic purples, Golds and bronzes, Iridescent greens, Matte earth tones and Black grounding accents.
Reflective and shimmering surfaces contrast with sandy, dry textures—mirroring the tension between the mystical and the grounded, the unseen energy field and the tangible world.
Signature lumo pops, inspired by the PPE overalls of Viviers’ childhood in a galvanising factory, reappear in holographic and high-frequency accents.
Materials include vintage silk lamé, linen, organic hemp, structured cottons, viscose blends, and metallic threads. ROMO’s metallic yarn, sculptable and malleable, allows garments to hold cocoon-like shapes—a tactile expression of transformation.
The interplay of colour and frequency is central: physics offers measurable wavelengths; metaphysics interprets vibration as emotion, aura, and resonance. SCARAB merges these worlds through texture, sheen, and silhouette.
VIVIERS continues its collaboration with botanical dyer Ira Bekker, who works exclusively with locally gathered plant materials. For SS26, Bekker used bark from a single species of eucalyptus grown in the KZN Midlands, brewing plant “teas” to unlock a full spectrum—orange to blue, green to purple—using only rust extracts and pH modulation. Her method ensures traceability, low environmental impact, and regenerative practice.
In partnership with Cape Wools SA and Mohair South Africa, VIVIERS highlights South Africa’s rich natural fibre heritage. Their continued collaboration with Hinterveld produced “Cape Tweed,” woven from local wool and mohair yarns and inspired by archival samples and artisanal VIVIERS textiles.
All imagery courtesy of Viviers
Master feltmaker Stephanie Bentum again joins VIVIERS, creating sculptural textiles from Merino wool and Mohair. Wrapt Knitwear contributes limited-edition artisanal knitwear and recently led an invisible-mending workshop incorporated into the collection.
Viviers partners with goldsmith Kirsten Goss, blending handmade bronze objects by Viviers with South African crystals, gemstones, and gold. Upcycler Nutcase Studies contributes signature aluminium-can-lid chains, a tribute to Johannesburg’s streets.
Collaborations with Cape Cobra Leather Goods, NIC NATE Leather Co, and Mason Owen showcase South Africa’s ostrich and bovine leather craftsmanship.
Milliner Crystal Birch preserves traditional hat-making through reimagined vintage wool and felt bases.
VIVIERS sources from Omega Original Footwear, an iconic South African brand known for colourful, locally made leather footwear celebrated in national street culture.
Sustainability remains foundational to VIVIERS in the following ways:
- PULP Paperworks converts studio waste into luxury paper.
- 3D printing (in collaboration with Bunnycorp) is used for recyclable prototypes and buckle components.
- Digital printing supports low-waste production.
- Collaborations with COOLTABS produce the first South African bags made entirely from handwoven recycled can tabs.
- A custom soundscape is created with musician Alessandro Gigli, extending the sensory experience of SCARAB.
CREDITS
Creative & Art Director: Lezanne Viviers (@lezanneviviers)
Look Book Photographer: Karla Muller (@lifeofkarla)
Portrait Photographer: Eva Losada (@eva.al.desnudo)
Styling: VIVIERS Team (@viviers.studio)
Hair: Saadique Ry (@saadique), assisted by @neshaan
Make-up Conceptualisation: Marlene Steyn (@marlenehettie)
Make-up Artists: Shakirah Sithole (@shakirahsithole), Bontle Nxumal (@bontlefaceart)
Models
Emma (@emma.by.austen)
Bethany (@bethany.dewaal)
Yeshin (@yeshin_is_dead)
Rorke (@rorkus)
Zaenian (@zaeniandamons)
Amber (@amber.maaske)
Elsie (@elsie.mduli)
Neo (@eskitit_young_king)
Featured Artists
Marlene Steyn, Georgina Gratix, Bastiaan van Stenis, Turiya Magadlela, Banele Khoza, Walter Dixon, Salvador Dali, Nico Krinjo, Eva Losada, Heino Schmitt Design, and more.
Press release courtesy of VIVIERS Studio.
Written by Holly Beaton
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