(I’m now) Aware: Fashion Art Identity

Good ‘eve, Tuft here!

As promised, here I am, a-blogging again! It’s Day 2 of the Resolutions now and I have been to an art exhibition AND entered a blog. Hurrah! Big slap on the back, I thank you.

I really really enjoyed my trip to the Royal Academy of Arts this morning; shamefully, it was my first time despite having passed it numerous times en route to do my shopping in New Bond Street. (I wish).

‘Aware: Fashion Art Identity’ is a fantastically diverse & thought provoking exhibition that I really urge you to go see before it ends on 30th January. It explores how clothing and fashion is used to communicate and reveal identity,  through the themes of Storytelling, Building, Belonging & Confronting, and Performance.

Gorgeously clever (water-soluble) threads by Helen Storey

It’s hard to pick just one installation that stood out for me, but I was particularly impressed by Sharif Waked’s video ‘Chic Point’. Making a strong political comment on the complex situation in the Middle East, he created some ingenious garments that playfully exposed areas of the body – ‘Fashion for the Israeli Checkpoints’, if you will. It was clever, strangely humorous (the garments themselves), but also quite poignant and sad.

Sharif Waked - Chic Point, 2003

I also marvelled at the kaleidoscopic explosion of colour by Yinka Shonibare – amazing batik printed Colonial African Fabrics, beautifully displayed. I love using unashamedly bold vivid colours in my rugs, so for me his work is always so inspiring.

Yinka Shonibare MBE, Little Rich Girls, 2010

Speaking of inspiration I came across architects Acconci Studio who showcased a collection of gorgeous oragami pieces… no guessing who came to mind here! Check them out, Fold!

Acconci Studio, 2001

There is far too many brilliant and beautiful things to mention from this exhibition that I won’t be able to describe adequately. Suffice to say if you love fashion, fabrics and art you simply must pay it a visit – and then treat to yourself to a nice sugared macaroon or two from the Sketch tea shop – Yummy!

Go on then, I’ll have 5 of the pink please!

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend!

Love, Tuft x

New Year Resolutions – The ones worth keeping

I don’t know about you but I love to make New Years Resolutions, and I LOOOVE to make lists! So here goes the list of things I will do better at in 2011…

Blogging!

I speak for myself here, (myself being ‘Tuft’), when admit my guilt of not contributing more to our lovely blog. And finding something worth writing about leads me to my next firm resolution…

Go to more Art Exhibitions!

So my first port of call will be the ‘Art Fashion Identity’ exhibition at The Royal Academy, London.

The exhibition explores the role of clothing through themes of Storytelling, Building, Belonging & Confronting, and Performance. It showcases work from various artists and designers including Grayson Perry, La Maison Martin Margiela, Yinka Shonibare (a personal favourite of mine), and the late and very great Alexander McQueen.

It’s running only until 30^th Jan, so you’ve got to be quick to catch it. I’m taking the morning off to see it tomorrow, really excited.

Yinka Shonibare MBE - Little Rich Girls, 2010

Networking!

The best (and most common) advice I have received from any business mentor is ‘get out and network network network’! This should not be a problem, we are quite the social butterflies here at PTF, and I have certainly found that whether you are meeting your design peers or business experts, there is always an exciting new opportunity to be sought from the experience.

On this note we plan to frequent the brilliant Alumni events orchestrated by the University of the Arts London. The first of such events is Future Map, which is showcasing new cutting edge talent from the University. To catch these rising stars of the future visit the Zabludowicz Collection, 176 Prince of Wales Road, from 13 January – 6 February.

Lillian Suwanrumpha - BA (Hons) Fine Art - Chelsea College of Art & Design

Plan Plan Plan!

I am an excellent procrastinator, but as for planning… hmmmm, not so much. But that’s okay, it’s high on my official New Years Resolution list for all to see, and 2011 is the year of DOING not daydreaming. Right? Right!

Ahh, that Amelie... she was fond of daydreaming too...

It’s going to be a very exciting year ahead for Print Tuft & Fold, we can just feel it in our bones! The biggest obstacle we have yet to tackle is the dreaded business plan, but fear not The British Library is well stocked and ready to help! The business and IP centre has a phenomenal amount of info for us creative types, so time to get our heads in the books and exercise that left side of the brain!

I think this is quite enough for now (lets not get into the whole yoga/ paleo diet regime). But if my soul is creatively nourished I’m sure I’ll be just fine.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Love Print, Tuft & Fold x x x

PTF on NYE; Playboy Bunny (Fold), Felicity Shagwell (Print) & Jessica Rabbit (Tuft)