When translated to English, ‘Sacrée Frangine’ expresses the beauty and meaning of sisterhood — ‘frangine’ French for ‘sister’ and ‘sacrée’ meaning sacred or substantive. For Célia Amroune and Aline Kpade, who’ve been friends since they met in elementary school at 7 years old, the name captures their relationship while giving an additional nod to the greater concepts of sisterhood, femininity, and the women who inspire their ways of living and expressing.

As a creative duo whose illustrations have, at one point or another, decorated both the physical and digital walls of nearly every CAUSEBOX employee’s home, desktop, or phone, to say that we quite literally jumped for joy at the news that Sacrée Frangine would be illustrating the Winter Box is an understatement.

With abstract shapes, soft lines, and peachy hues wonderfully fashioned into faceless portraits, layered landscapes, and sweet apricot still lifes, to spend a moment with Sacrée Frangine’s work is to be wrapped in an embrace that you didn’t even know you needed.

Where does their inspiration come from? The details of a bouquet of flowers on the table, an exchange between friends, a bird flying — the patient observation of ordinary life happening all around us.

Henri Matisse’s collages had an early influence on the way the duo draws emotion through simple shapes and rich color. Though, more recently, they’ve been struck by the photography of Oghalé Alex — his minimalist eye for composition, his peaceful imagery, and his soft color palette.

While much of this inspiration and direction is shared, Célia and Aline haven’t always known how to work together as friends. Over time, they’ve found ways to highlight each of their expertise and allow their unique strengths to complement the other’s work. Their advice for working with your friend? “Communication is key,” they say.

During the 2020 pandemic, the two were separated for a few months. The distance and longing to be with family and friends ignited a focus on reconnection, appreciating every moment you have with your loved ones, no matter how simple or mundane it may feel.

“Art is a beautiful way to gather people around common ideas and emotions.” As artists, Célia and Aline strive to remain open to the world, convey the silver linings in their work, highlight diversity, and coexist. “We use beauty and lightness as a refuge in a world that is sometimes too harsh.”

The Winter Box illustration showcases those warm moments that are found in the chill of the winter months — gathering with friends and family around a cup of tea or hot chocolate, laughing and conversing, bundled up in knit sweaters and thick socks — bringing refuge, reconnection, and lightness to a sometimes harsh year.

Célia and Aline say they’ve learned to slow down in 2020, taking more time in their life and in their work. What does this look like for their future? “Take creative breaks, create for fun, create for yourself,” they say.

For a daily dose of the ‘douce vie,’ follow Célia and Aline at @sacree_frangine.