How ‘The Book of Kells’ Inspired JJ Martin’s Latest Collection
A sophisticated take on the iconic Celtic motifs …
The AW26 collection of La Double J, the Milan-based fashion and lifestyle brand created by former fashion journalist JJ Martin, is a vibrant mix of structured tailoring and fluid draping, of bold macro prints and micro motifs. Sophisticated yet playful, composed yet exuberant – the collection is a reflection of the brand’s creative director.
Look closely at the prints from AW26 and they will seem familiar; the swirls and patterns are in fact drawn from Celtic decorative motifs which give the collection an elevated vintage spirit. Called the Book of Spells, JJ Martin says she discovered the inspiration on a recent trip to Ireland: “This creative journey began during a sacred site tour of Ireland in July 2025: ten days of meditations and channellings inside crumbling ruins, galactically charged rocks and energy portals. My visit to this powerful, ancient land concluded at Dublin’s Trinity College where The Book of Kells was unveiled in a sort of Holy of Holies inner chamber. Penned over 1,200 years ago, the designs featured seismic waves of colours and patterns. Moving backwards and forwards through time, space and dimensions, the whirling consciousness hand drawn on papery calfskin so many centuries ago, was an old friend I’d known and met before.”
JJ Martin has incorporated these prints in contemporary ways. Jackets are sharply defined with cinched waists and accentuated shoulders. These are styled with cigarette trousers, mannish cuts, and harem shapes. Dresses move with a cinematic grace and capes billow with quiet confidence. Look out for the new daywear dresses and twirling, fringed tunics, and the peacoat in brushed checks. One (accessible) way to wear the Book of Spells collection is via the double-print silk scarves, skinny scarves or fringed ponchos.
As for the actual Book of Kells, visitors to the Book of Kells Experience at Trinity College can view two stunning new pages on display. One is of the Virgin and Child, the earliest known extant depiction of the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus in Western manuscript art, from the Gospel of Matthew, created around 800AD. The Virgin Mary is shown seated majestically on a throne, with the Christ Child on her knee, surrounded by the four archangels – Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel. Three of the angels carry flabella, or liturgical fans, while the fourth holds a flowering rod. The other new page on display is the Breves Causae of Matthew 1-111, an elaborate list of contents depicting two seated figures and decorative script.
Need to Know: To find out more about JJ Martin and her little black book, pick up a copy of THE GLOSS October issue, out now. www.ladoublej.com
