Making Waves in the Fashion World: Blue Ivy Marbling x Oscar de la Renta 

When Jennifer Lagerwall started marbling silk scarves in her home studio in Eagle, Idaho, she never imagined her artwork would one day grace the runway with one of the most iconic names in fashion. But in a story that still feels surreal, Lagerwall’s traditional Ebru art became the centerpiece of Oscar de la Renta’s Pre-Fall 2024 collection — a collaboration that has left an indelible mark on her journey as an artist.
 

The Message That Changed Everything
 

It all began with an Instagram message on August 21, 2023. Someone was inquiring about purchasing her artwork on behalf of the creative director of a New York fashion company. At first, Lagerwall didn’t know who she was interacting with. After a few email exchanges, she got on a phone call with the company’s Chief of Staff and innocently asked, “What’s the name of your company?”
 

When she heard the words Oscar de la Renta, her jaw dropped.
 

“I was shocked and beyond excited,” she recalls. “I had no idea this was even a possibility.”
 

From Studio to Runway
 

The ODLR team was interested in using her marbled designs for their Pre-Fall 2024 collection. What started as a single design purchase quickly evolved into a five-week collaboration. They asked her to create several variations — many of them intricate, advanced patterns that few Ebru artists in the U.S. could master.
 

Eventually, they narrowed it down to ten potential designs and selected four. Early in the process, they let her know they were also filming a documentary about the making of the collection — and wanted to include her.
 

In September, they flew a photographer to her Eagle studio for two full days of filming and photographing her art in real time. Lagerwall created designs on the water’s surface, transferred them, and waited for feedback from the creative team. They’d send notes. She’d start again. It was a meticulous, collaborative process.

In December 2023, the first lookbook of the Pre-Fall 2024 Collection was released. By March, Jennifer received a formal invitation to attend the fashion show and documentary screening in New York City.
 

A Surreal Night in NYC
 

On April 22, 2024, Jennifer and her husband arrived in New York. The experience was more magical than she imagined.
 

Her artwork wasn’t just featured in the collection — it had become the logo for the entire event. From the itinerary to napkins and popcorn boxes, her marbled designs were everywhere.
 

One moment stands out: watching the documentary and creative directors working with her floral designs — them sitting in a room as they decided, under immense time pressure, which dress designs would make the cut — tossing others to the floor.
 

“It hit me how easily my designs could not have been chosen,” she says. “And it made me all the more grateful.”
 

Just before leaving the city, she and her husband made a quick stop at an Oscar de la Renta store. As they walked in, there it was — a mannequin wearing one of the dresses featuring her artwork. “It made everything feel real,” she says.
 

The Art of Ebru
 

So what exactly is Ebru, or marbling?
 

This ancient art form dates back to the 15th century in the Ottoman Empire and was used to decorate manuscripts and books. The process involves floating paints on a water surface thickened with carrageenan, manipulating the colors using styluses, rakes, and combs, and then transferring the pattern to a canvas or fabric.
 

“It’s mesmerizing to watch and even more fascinating to do,” Jennifer explains. “It’s like a science experiment every time.”
 

Her designs are one-of-a-kind, as the paint continues to move and shift on the water. She often starts with a vision but allows the natural flow of the medium to lead the way.
 

Florals and Silk: The Blue Ivy Marbling Brand
 

Jennifer’s favorite motifs are florals — particularly peonies and cherry blossoms — which have become signature elements of her brand. She began exploring Ebru in 2010 after attending a class in Chicago taught by a master artist. In 2015, she discovered the magic of marbling on silk and started hosting “scarf parties,” bringing the art form to festivals, private events, and corporate gatherings.
 

Today, her work is known for its timeless silk scarves and bandanas, and she has expanded to leather goods like clutches and wallets. Her creations attract women of all ages, as well as artists around the world who take her online course to learn the techniques themselves.
 

Art That Builds Community
 

What started as an artistic pursuit has grown into a thriving community. Through her online tutorials, videos, and live sessions (often facilitated by her husband), Jennifer has connected with people across the globe.
 

“I love that I can give simple direction and help someone create something beautiful,” she says. “The creativity it cultivates, the joy it brings — it’s amazing.”
 

One particularly meaningful story came from a senior living activity director in Texas, who shared how watching Jennifer’s videos helped residents feel calm and engaged. Many of her followers have expressed that watching Ebru helps ease anxiety, depression, and stress.
 

“I didn’t expect the therapeutic effect it would have,” she reflects. “But it’s been one of the greatest blessings.”
 

Looking Ahead
 

While the Oscar de la Renta collaboration was a one-time feature, the team told her they’d be watching her social media for future possibilities. For Jennifer Lagerwall, the journey has only just begun.
 

“It gave me confidence and encouragement to keep creating, especially when things get tough,” she says. “It also pushed me to think bigger — to dream beyond what I thought was possible.”
 

In the heart of Eagle, art and fashion collided in the most unexpected and beautiful way — proving that creativity has no boundaries, and sometimes, the world really is watching.
 

Follow @blueivymarbling to view designs and shop this local icon! Video documentary to be seen here. Fast forward to minute 7:35 to view.