Exhibitions

Yayoi Kasuma

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http://nuvomagazine.com

The highly anticipated, most instagramed exhibition of the year, ‘Yayoi Kasuma– The Moving Moment When I Went To The Universe’ has touched down in London this winter. With the free ticketed exhibition selling out within a day for a 3 month period, we were lucky enough to get our hands on some tickets and see some of her finest work.

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http://www.victoria-miro.com

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Own images

The highlight of the show was the infinity mirrored room “my heart is dancing to the universe”. The mirrored room is full of giant paper lanterns covered in polka dot patterns suspended from the ceiling. Conveying the illusion of being unmoored in endless space, this large-scale work, the latest example of Kusama’sfamed immersive environments, offers a sense of infinity through the interplay of the rhythmic patterns of colourfulspots covering the black spherical lamps and the surrounding mirrors.4

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Paintings from the artist’s celebrated, ongoing My Eternal Soul series are on view at Gallery II, Wharf Road. Joyfully improvisatory, fluid and highly instinctual, the My Eternal Soul paintings abound with imagery including eyes, faces in profile, and other more indeterminate forms, including the dots for which the artist is synonymous, to offer impressions of worlds at once microscopic and macroscopic.

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About Yayoi Kasuma

For almost seventy years Yayoi Kusama has developed a practice, which, though it shares affiliations with movements such as Surrealism, Minimalism and Pop Art, resists any singular classification. Born in Matsumoto City, Japan in 1929, she studied painting in Kyoto before moving to New York in the late 1950s, and by the mid-1960s had become well known in the avant-garde world for her provocative happenings and exhibitions.

Since this time, Kusama’s extraordinary artistic endeavours have spanned painting, drawing, collage, sculpture, performance, film, printmaking, installation and environmental art as well as literature, fashion (most notably in her 2012 collaboration with Louis Vuitton) and product design.

Image: avenuemontaigneguide.com

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Vuitton and Kasuma 2012 collection, Vogue.co.uk

In 2020 Kusamawill create her first permanent UK installation for the new Crossrailstation at Liverpool Street. Titled Infinite Accumulation, the site-specific work develops her instantly recognisablemotif – the polka dot – into a series of flowing, mirrored steel sculptures, each up to 12 metreswide and 10 metrestall. Below is a digitally rendered image of the installation:9

http://www.victoria-miro.com

https://www.vogue.co.uk/gallery/louis-vuitton-unveils-yayoi-kusama-collection

https://www.victoria-miro.com/exhibitions/528/

Click to access yayoi-kusama_press_release_vm2018.pdf

https://www.victoria-miro.com/news/948

Robert Vernet at The London Print Design Fair

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Sarah Glyn-Woods of Design and Colour Ltd and Karl Grobelny from Creation Robert Vernet

Sometimes it is important to say things as they are….it is very quiet in the world of printed textiles, clothing manufacture and retail sales. It was therefore no surprise that the Fair was quieter than usual. There were some stunning designs on offer from our friends at Vernet as there were from other studios and sellers of vintage archives.

Just to be totally uncommercial for a moment, what would we do without the wonderful array of vintage garments when foot traffic is slow. There were things that I had worn in the past and even certain items that I have kept and are in suitcases in the loft. There were interesting characters posing in some outrageously wonderful outfits, so thanks for cheering us up and you know who you are!

Recently a friend borrowed a 1970s knitted kaftan to go to a party and my other half pointed her out to my son at the bus stop saying ”well that ‘s a throw back to the past”. He failed to notice it was our friend or that it was one of my many cherished garments that he thinks I should part with.

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Flowers were very much in evidence, as usual, but they were more painterly and some had a vintage cut out feel.Finally the photograph flowers appears to have faded away with the limited exception of some occasional wear seekers.

We had much interest in medium sized and smaller florals with a vintage feel but overall they needed to be very pretty.

Patchworks were popular; squared, diagonal or scarf prints from monochromatic to fresh multi coloured. The most popular flower for me was the poppy which appeared to have sneaked into most floral bouquets or be standing boldly in the forefront. The mixing of the poppy with other flowers and the looser shapes and variegated colour and texture moved the bloom safely away from the flower of remembrance day.

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Laura Newton from Blueye Design and Kate Lerigoleur from CRV13

Tie dyes a la Dior muted palette or in these playful bright colours were also very popular.

These were WGSN’s picks from Robert Vernet:

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designandcolour@gmail.com

Instagram – @theprintaffair

Robert Vernet

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Design and Colour are pleased to announce that they have taken on the agency of Creations Robert Vernet in the UK and will be launching their new collection at The London Print Design Fair in Islington.

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The company was founded in 1957 and is based in Lyon, the French city renowned for silk weaving and being the historical centre of textiles in France. With a team of over 20 designers using both the latest digital technology yet still drawing on the importance of hand painted designs, Robert Vernet is recognized as a master of this craft. The company has been awarded the “Living Heritage Company ” label by the Ministry of Commerce for their excellence and expertise.

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As many of us know in this industry our products have to be valued and it is through attention to detail in both manufacture and styling that this can be achieved. We all compete on a global stage and keeping ahead of colour trends and delivering fresh and exciting patterns are crucial to us all.  Working world wide across the fashion and home furnishing markets the design team are motivated by the diversity of their client’s demands.5

As a print maven it cheers me no end to work with a studio that understands separations and has the wider experience essential to understand production processes. The advantages of digital print are phenomenal yet there are many other print processes and between us we can work to satisfy all our client’s expectations.67

designandcolour@gmail.com

Instagram – @theprintaffair

Frida Khalo Inspires

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A collection of prints inspired by the embroideries and weaves of Central America and the warmth of colour often accented with cool blues and greens.

 

 

Frida Kahlo in blue satin blouse, 1939, photograph by Nickolas Muray. © Nickolas Muray Photo Archive

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Frida Fever

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Copyright: Nickolas Muray- Frida Kahlo

With the highly anticipated V&A exhibition ‘Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up’ in full swing,  the world has been reminded of her iconic style which has seen itself manifest in interior and fashion trends this season and beyond. The exhibition presents a collection of the artists artifacts and takes the visitor on a journey through her complex life.

Growing up in Mexico, the exhibition shows the colourful landscape she was surrounded by and the tropical world on her doorstep. Surrounded by Mexican and Guatemalan textiles, fabrics and colour had a big influence on Frida sparking the bright bold style for which she is recognized today.

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Copyright: Nickolas Muray- Frida Kahlo

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A highlight of the exhibition is seeing the unspoilt, decorative garments that were once worn by Frida. Mixing Guatemalan woven materials with Asian patterned silks, each outfit was a real insight into Frida’s love of different cultures and fighting the norm. She liked to experiment with her identity and expressed herself though her clothes and make up.

 

 

Vogue.com

Fashion has continued to be inspired by Frida Kahlo throughout the years. From floral headdresses to small embroidery details, her style is timeless and will always be captivating.

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Jean Paul Gaultier 1998, MOSCHINO 2012, Valentino SS15

All images from Vogue.com

See how the exhibition and prominence of Frida Kahlo is already influencing design in both current fashion and interiors:

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& Other Stories

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Temperley London

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Camilla

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Topshop, Anthropologie, Zara

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The Sofa Workshop, Jan Constantine

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Andrew Martin

Orla Kiely – A Life In Pattern

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As one of the most recognizable and iconic designers of the last few decades, it only seems right that the Fashion and Textiles museum are celebrating the work of Orla Kiely in their latest exhibition “A Life in Pattern”.

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 Image by Nicole Nodland© OrlaKiely

Since her London Fashion Week debut in 1994, the designer has been recognised for her perfectly repeatable retro patterns and a nostalgic colour pallet. “Growing up in Ireland in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s was intrinsic to my creative DNA.” Inspired by all things mid centaury and with a love for nature, Kiely’s work is charming, uplifting and stylized.

In the Fashion and Textile Museums latest exhibition, visitors are able to see over 150 patterns and products from the Orla Kiely archive and a unique insight into her inspiration and design process. The exhibition explores the power of decoration and the impact pattern can have on our life.

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“Overseeing every single detail within the design process, Orla Kiely is meticulous, motivated, focused and passionate. Prior to production, every aspect matters to her from the first phase of designing to making, mixing colours, creating artwork and sampling.” Fashion and Textile Museum

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“Pattern is not a trend for me, to be taken up one minute and abandoned the next when the winds of fashion change. Pattern is in me. It is my life” OrlaKiely for The Fashion and Textiles Museum

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Kiely’s work spans across home-ware, fashion and accessories and her pattern handwriting lends itself to all 3 product categories.  Her designs are translated through print, embroidery, knitwear and woven fabrics with her unique taste of colour carried throughout each product.

Here is a closer look at her work:

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Images courtesy of Orla Kiely

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Orla Kiely Spring Summer 2017 New York Fashion Week. Photography courtesy of Orla Kiely.

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Image 1: Orla KielyAutumn Winter 2017 Campaign. Photography courtesy of Orla Kiely, Image 2: Orla KielyResort 2016 Campaign. Photography courtesy of Orla Kiely

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Image 1: L’Orla 2018, Photography courtesy of Orla Kiely, Image 2: Stem Lookbook 2018, Photography courtesy of Orla Kiely11

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You can see the Life in Pattern exhibition at the Fashion and Textiles Museum until the 23rd September

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.ftmlondon.org/ftm-exhibitions/orla-kiely-life-in-pattern/

https://www.orlakiely.com

A Celebration of Flowers by Kaffe Fassett with Candace Bahouth

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The Victoria Gallery, Bath, Somerset

                                                23rd May –  24th August

 

 

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To celebrate the release of his new book, Kaffe Fassett has organized a new exhibition “A Celebration of Flowers” along with one of his long term collaborators and fellow American; Candace Bahouse. The installation includes 40 of Fassett’s quilts and some of Bahouth’s many ornate mosaics mirrors and pieces conceived for being placed outdoors.

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Kaffe Fassett is originally from California but moved to England as a student in the 1960s. He is now one of the world’s most renowned textile designers and his work features in museums world wide including in the Victoria and Albert. This exhibition is an exciting riot of colour leaving one feeling uplifted and joyful.

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Candace Bahouth is an American artist who settled in Somerset. She is known for her unique mosaics that she makes using fragments of china, natural materials and sometimes pieces of plastics. Her work also features in many museums including the Victoria and Albert.

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If you are visiting the lovely Georgian city of Bath any time soon, you might want to pop into the Victoria Gallery to see the exhibition or even attend some of the talks that are being held by both of the artists. More can be found on the Victoria Gallery website:

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All pictures thanks to http://victoriagal.org.uk

Mr Doodle

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https://www.broadgate.co.uk/SenseOfSpace

Last month, Exchange Square in London held a beautiful exhibition allowing us to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. “A Sense of Space” was a collection of 3 rooms each with different sensory experience and there was one in particular, being a room full of motifs, that I fell in love with.

Unique and uplifting artist MrDoodle covered one of the rooms full of his enchanting motifs. From the floor you walked on, to the walls, the desk and even the foam sofa, every little corner was covered in a seemingly satisfying way.

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As he created this space he was wearing is very own Mr Doodle printed suit paired with some Mr Doodle shoes.

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Described as ‘Graffiti Spagetti’, “his clusters of characters, objects and patterns group together in a formation that appears to continue to grow relentlessly.” We also love how he manages to draw himself in each of his instillations somewhere.

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MrDoodle’s Doodle of himself

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http://mrdoodle.com/Home

Images from @MrdoodleInstagramand http://www.broadgate.co.uk

London Design Week 2018

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From the 4th to the 9th March, Chelsea Harbour becomes the home of London Design Week 2018, ‘an unmissable event that is essential for anyone who wants the inside track on the latest design thinking.’

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‘The interior design world’s Mecca’ Vanity Fair

Chanelling the design world’s rising spirit of individuality and creative expression, London Design Week 2018 seeks to go beyond fleeting trends. This is an event where powerful design professionals can engage with established makers; style-seekers can delve deeper into their design passions via talks, demonstrations, workshops and discovery tours; and luxury brands can converse with emerging influencers and tastemakers.

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‘Europe’s flagship for design and decoration’ House & Garden

Visitors who value genuine talent, skill and provenance can discover the latest offerings from 120 exhibitors from around the world, while on the main stage, international speakers share their knowledge at the authoritative Conversations in Design series. A new initiative is ‘Legends’, which sees connoisseurs from the worlds of design and decoration, art, fashion and architecture collaborate to transform an array of showroom windows and showcases with wit and verve.

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Trade preview: 4 – 6 March 2018

All welcome: 7 – 9 March 2018

10am – 6pm

Event Location

Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, London SW10 0XE

http://dcch.co.uk

Real Kimonos

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Kimonos have been very much in fashion in the last few year although they have strayed from the traditional Japanese garment look, the styling has been faithfully to the meaning of the word. “Ki” is from the verb to wear while a “mono” is a thing, a thing to wear. Some renditions have been pretty tacky especially when trimmed with ludicrous fringing.

A traditional Kimono is a Simple T shaped long garment with long deep sleeves that is wrapped around the body and secured around the waist with a sash tied at the back called an “obi”. The length of the sleeve denotes whether the wearer is married, young unmarried women have sleeves near trailing on the ground.

These days they are mostly worn on special occasions by Japanese women with the traditional elevated sandal with split toed socks. Japanese men will occasionally wear them for weddings etc unless they are Sumo wrestlers who are obliged to wear the garment when out in public. A true Japanese kimono is highly valued and the more complex garments in silk can involve both woven and printed ornate decoration.

When visiting japan you may see parties of ladies dressed up in a rather cheaper looking garment but these are more often than not visiting Koreans who like to dress up when visiting Japan. Rather like those children who put on Mickey and Minnie Mouse ears when in Disneyland.

Viv Darling was looking for something special to wear for her brother’s wedding a dozen years ago. She looked around and was very uninspired by the offer on the high street and started to wonder whether she could find something a bit more adventurous and began investigating kimonos on the web. Eventually, after much research, she bought one on Ebay and was not only bowled over by the garment but the fascinating traditions and cultural history she had discovered in this search.

It is fair to say that Viv is quite the expert in this field. She has travelled to Japan and visited Kyoto the ancient capital and centre of silk weaving. Here she linked up with a Japanese lady who has a permit to sell and export secondhand kimonos. Viv sells these are various locations around the Southwest and can be contacted though her facebook site;

https://www.facebook.com/pg/Kuroshi-Vintage-silks-and-kimonos-1947572582122122/posts/?ref=page_internal

Last summer I stumbled across these wonderful ladies attending a wedding in Bath and the view from behind was as stunning as that from the front.