Known for bold prints on comfortable fashion pieces, Ying the Label has mastered the art of showcasing the artwork of founder Phuay Li Ying on unique canvases — ones that can be used and lived in, rather than displayed on a wall.

Over the past year or so, we’ve worked with Ying to design Fields of Gold, a joyful new pillowcase collection featuring Ying’s beautiful watercolour artwork. Like many of you, we’ve been feeling a little worn down by the uncertainties of the past year, and we hope to bring moments of delight into your bedrooms through Ying’s artwork. Read on for a peek behind the collaboration.

Fields of Gold in Pistachio. Special thanks to SCENE SHANG for the JING Side Table and Jade Courtyard Papercut Room Diffuser, and Arete Culture for the White Vase.

We first met Ying at a Boutiques event in March 2019. At Sunday Bedding, we view our bedding as a canvas for artists and creatives to tell their stories, and we were enchanted by how Ying translates her paintings onto garments. Her distinctive artwork was a departure from the minimalistic prints we had previously featured, prompting our interest in exploring how our bedding could also be a canvas for her work, and how our two different brands could co-create together. The stars aligned as Ying was similarly keen to see their designs on bedding, and appreciated the comfort, materials, and ethos of Sunday Bedding.

Ying's love for the song Fields of Gold. Drawing inspiration from its message of love, Ying sought to convey through her painting the beauty of the morning’s light rays filtering into the room, and the joy and serenity we might feel waking up beside someone we love. We love the vibrant yet delicate nature of what she created.

Admittedly, it was quite a challenge blending the philosophies of both our brands at first! Ying’s original artwork featured mostly orange and yellow hues, to depict the morning sun. These bright colours were a contrast to the muted or pastel colours that we usually use in our bedding. On the flipside, the softer Sunday colour palette was uncharted territory for Ying, who tends to work with bright and vibrant colours in Ying the Label’s apparel and accessories.

First, we balanced the bright colours in the artwork with a fresh, yet understated background colour. This led us to Pistachio, which matched surprisingly well with the artwork. For Ying, the soft colours in this option evoke the feeling of unconditional love and dreams come true, and help to create a more relaxing and comforting bedroom environment.

Our second approach was to lean into the boldness and intensity of the colour, while still ensuring it would pair well with other neutrals in our range of colours, like Vanilla Mist or Warm Sand. We landed on Burnt Orange as the base colour, a warm and earthy shade. We’re excited to see which colour combinations you prefer!

The cool and refreshing tones of Pistachio balance out the warm hues in the artwork. Special thanks to SCENE SHANG for the Plum Vase and SHANG System - YI Combination Wutong Drawer.

Burnt Orange plays into the warmth and intensity of the artwork, bringing out its liveliness. Special thanks to Arete Culture for the Tall Taupe Vase and Winter Wonderland White Flowers.

We initially thought to incorporate Ying’s artwork on the duvet cover and fitted sheet, but after working through variations that did not feel particularly Sunday, we eventually landed on the final pillowcase design.

Perks of working at Sunday Bedding — our workspaces have the best spots for taking breaks in. Or, as we like to call it, taking the sheets for a test run. Special thanks to SCENE SHANG for the Botanist Cane Chair, JING Side Table and Jade Courtyard Papercut Room Diffuser, and Arete Culture for the White Vase.

Through this collaboration, we want you to be able to bring home a piece of art and have it work with what you already have and love. After an uncertain year, we are buoyed by a sense of optimism that the colours and artwork communicate, and we hope Fields of Gold will spark joy, hope, and gratitude in your home.

Seri, our Operations Lead, spreading her infectious joy on set. After all, who can resist rolling around in these deliciously soft sheets? Special thanks to SCENE SHANG for the Botanist Cane Chair, JING Side Table and Jade Courtyard Papercut Room Diffuser, and Arete Culture for the White Vase.

Special thanks to our collaborator Kah Ying for the photography and videography, and to our partners SCENE SHANG and Arete Culture.