The Art of Drag, Ryman Launch Stationery and Giftware

The playful, funny and slightly subversive brand, Art of Drag, created by The London Studio and now a standalone business in its own right, is dropping a range of specially designed stationery, giftware and cards in collaboration with stationery and office supplies group, Ryman. The partnership will run throughout Pride 2024, from June through August

Art of Drag, which takes famous artworks featuring cultural female icons and replaces them with drag artists, is collaborating with both Ryman and its new, design-led concept stores, Ryman Design, for the exclusive collection.

Launching during Pride Month in June will be a new Art of Drag Pride Collection of giftware and stationery, along with a range of nine Art of Drag greeting cards. Both ranges will be in-store exclusives to Ryman Design and select Ryman stores and also available on the Ryman website during Pride 2024.

The Art of Drag Pride Collection of giftware and stationery includes notebooks with gold-edged pages, mugs with gold handles, coasters, tote bags, water bottles, magnets and more. There’s also a range of boxed pens with positive sentiments engraved on the pens, such as: “YOU ARE LOVED” and the fun and cheeky engraving, “DON’T F*CK IT UP.”

The collection was created by Art of Drag’s lead LGBTQ+ artist, who has combined bold, sticker-like graphics with geometric grids and the colors of the Progress Pride Flag. The collection celebrates diversity and calls for a more inclusive society, values which are at the heart of Art of Drag.

Related:Pride Roundup: What Companies are Doing to Celebrate

“Soula has been supplying Ryman and Ryman Design with greetings cards that have been consistent top-sellers for us, so we have been keen to expand into more categories,” says Chris Wall, trading director, Ryman. “We commissioned Soula for a diverse range of cards, giftware and stationery for Pride 2024, and we had high hopes for a memorable range. Those hopes have definitely been exceeded. The Art of Drag designs are both impactful and highly original. We couldn’t be happier with this unique collection – and we think our customers will feel the same way.” 

“We’ve greatly enjoyed working with Soula on this fantastic project,” says Theo Paphitis, owner, chairman, Ryman. “Her talent for thinking both creatively and commercially means she develops products that our customers can’t get enough of. And this superb new collection doesn’t disappoint – it truly stands out for quality, style and originality – perfect for Ryman Design customers.”

“I’m delighted to be working with one of the U.K.’s biggest names in cards and stationery,” says Soula Zavacopoulos, director, Art of Drag and The London Studio. “Theo Paphitis’ dedication to supporting small business is something I have always admired, and I love that these values are reflected in the team at Ryman Design, who have been passionate about supporting our independent artists. I am thrilled to be collaborating with Ryman and looking forward to seeing our new Art of Drag Pride Collection in stores soon. Together we aim to bring this fun brand and the superb artists that support it to a bigger audience than ever, whilst celebrating diversity and inclusivity.”