For the first time SHOWstudio did live coverage of the Arnhem Fashion Biennale, possibly one of the best places in Europe to see what’s happening in the world of art and fashion crossover. The exposition, which took the theme of ‘Happy Fashion’ for 2007, showcased a host of designers, some new, some more established, in a highly unusual ‘multi-sensory’ setting. Art Director Fred Butler was there to send us all her impressions of the event via picture phone.
Fred Butler is a props stylist and accessories designer based in London. She works with art directors, stylists and photographers to create imaginative one-off pieces for fashion stories to enhance... [more]
To conclude, here is ThreeAsFOUR’s kinetic installation of 4 dolls. Their preoccupation with ‘uzumaki’ has come from the infinite occurrences of spiral coincidences that have guided their destiny. The fabric prints are derived from fractals. The mannequins are sewn from a one-piece pattern. Seams helter-skelter round the human form.
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Unfortunately I have not had time to visit the photography exhibition in the De Hoge Veluwe National Park. However I think that AMB have organised a few surprises around the town centre of Arnhem.........
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Earlier, I took a train to the small town of Leivelde where the AMB took part in the annual ‘Wool Parade’. It is a procession of themed floats endearingly covered entirely by coloured wool. Local residents liaised with NYC artist Shoplifter to construct a special ‘Happy Fashion’ float in accordance to her design.
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AMB invited exhibitors to present their unique idea of paradise. I actually discovered mine when I found this workshop on a walk in Arnhem. It was so cute i almost cried. It is an exquisite collection of retro fabrics that are nurtured into contemporary childrenswear by ex-nurse Cecile. This amassed emporium of prints, knits and haberdashery is surely an unknown national archive.
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Signature sculptural looks hold their own, dotted at different points through the venues. It is the hand-crafted revolution of Hyeres winner Sandra Buckland (Sweden). She has made a white Origami dress for the AMB to fit the aroma trail of a washing powder path.
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Bas Kosters (Amsterdam) produces a diverse range of creations in addition to the neon applique fashion line. The studio's motto is to 'cheer people up'. Well thank you, job done. A giant lavender wool giraffe ticks my happy box!
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Does it look like Yoshikazu Yamagata might have been tipping his creative cap to tortoises? The garments were vacuum packed to transport them from Japan and brought to life with cardboard substructures. So all stylist assistants can breathe a sigh of relief: you won't have to schlep 1 meter crochet cubes as they can be worn loose!
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Here is Hrafnhildur Arnardottir (a.k.a Shoplifter: a name adopted on a mishearing of her first name she assures us) giving a lecture at the 'Fashion & Accessories Symposium'. Her hair sculptures were born from a curiosity into Victorian keep-sakes of lovers hair called 'Memory Flowers'. For the private view of this work "Shrine of my Vanity part II" in 2003, she had her own hair braided into a 3D heart and wore a Diane Von Furstenberg dress with a repeat print of platted hair.
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I was invited to the Biennale by NYC exhibitors ThreeAsFOUR. Angela (originally from Tajikistan) is not only known for her fashion label but also her nails! Who else would have a perfectly natural Neon yellow french manicure?
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One of the exhibits concerned with the multidisciplinary aspect of fashion is an illustration showcase, held in the ArtEZ Institute of Arts. This is a portrait detail by the dazzlingly charismatic Reykjavik resident Asi Mar.
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Whilst the Piper-Heidsieck flowed, harpsichord honey was poured into our ears by Natasha Khan and her bejewelled band. Joff invited her to perform having discovered her fur and gold at a venue on Phoenix Place in Brighton, UK.
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AMB were thrilled to have Carri present her all-encompassing kaleidoscopic lifestyle/brand via zombie mannequins and moving image. Others flying the flag for Britain amongst the international mix were Gareth Pugh, Basso & Brooke and the Fashion in film Festival.
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The biennial initially wanted to have the whole event as a butterfly enclosure. Logistically it did not go ahead, but one room houses a mini exhibit that is dedicated to the insects that are a metaphor for the longevity of fashion.........this one got a little thrown off course by my siren hair origami......
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Viktor & Rolf graduated from the Arnhem Fashion Institute 15 years ago. They represent the ethos of the biennial, in their use of fashion as an outlet to endless possibilities. Here is that look we all want to wear to the ball......or for me, potential nocturnal pursuits e.g.badger watching.......
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It is a multi-sensory landscape.....sounds, smells, textures and temperatures are all altered along the path of each installation.........of course a personal favourite being displays of REAL RAINBOW ROSES!
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Here is co-curator Joff, who has kindly taken me on a personal tour just an hour before the official opening. The event is set on the Rijn and a boat takes you from the 1st museum exhibit to a derelict brick works that has been transformed into a fashion paradise..........
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Bambi and I peruse the program for the 1st day of "Arnhem Mode Biennale 2007 Is Happy"
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