Ann Demeulemeester’s Creative Community Takes Centre Stage in ‘KIDS’
The first special project by creative director Stefano Gallici highlights the designer’s global network of collaborators in a visual diary.
The first special project by creative director Stefano Gallici highlights the designer’s global network of collaborators in a visual diary.
When Ann Demeulemeester muse Patti Smith released her memoir Just Kids in 2010, tracing her relationship with friend Robert Mapplethorpe, the musician painted a portrait of the importance of creative collaboration. With that spirit in mind, the brand’s creative director Stefano Gallici has similarly turned to the brand’s extensive network of collaborators to celebrate the intrinsic link between fashion, music, and art.
As his first special project for Ann Demeulemeester, ‘KIDS’ presents a visual diary following artists, musicians and poets in London, Paris and Berlin across the span of a week. Going beyond the traditional fashion campaign, Gallici’s initiative puts the power in the hands of the creators who help brought his debut collection for Ann Demeulemeester to life. The inaugural chapter of ‘KIDS’ stars musicians October Logan, Maresz Miciula, Edwin Tay, M.N. Hempenius, poet Tim Gienke, sculptor Alexander Carey-Morgan, and tattoo artist Capucine Lepine.
‘Ann nowadays addresses makers: any maker regardless of age, shape, gender,’ Gallici explains. ‘The urge to build a community is one main personal and creative drive for me. It brings close friends who are up-and-coming artists in their own right, with the aim to collaborate or just exchange ideas, making their voice heard because they are an inspiration to my work process.’
Shot by designer himself, the ‘KIDS’ project presents not only the burgeoning talents as models but also captures their creative process as it unfolds in their various studios. ‘Visiting these artists where they live and work, in their favourite inspiration spots, I was able to dive into the art and see what’s behind, ultimately capturing the essence of the habits and the work process of my fellows. I did so with a camera. Here is my unfiltered view.’
As Gallici himself states, the project aims to amplify the voices of this underground community of creatives. With the designer’s era at Ann Demeulemeester defined by a fostering of community and creative exchange, Gallici is tapping into a side of the brand that hasn’t been explored thoughtfully since its founder helmed the label. Through his unfiltered lens, Gallici invites us to immerse ourselves in the habits and work processes of these creators, celebrating the interconnectedness of fashion, music, and art.
