All You Can Not Eat

On display between 12.04.2024 – 13.10.2024 at St.Gallen Textilmuseum, the exhibition All You CanNOT Eat is modelled on a restaurant in which nothing edible or drinkable is on offer. By means of an exhibition and series of events, All You CanNOT Eat investigates table culture in terms of fake food and creative textile design.

Consisting of countless delicious pieces, All You CanNOT Eat is a participatory project with the involvement of Association Verdre, Marta Birt, Beni Bischof, Tatiana Boiko, Kristina Bucheli, Julie Chauland, Collective Swallow by Anaïs Marti, Estelle Gassmann, Sven Gex, Sarena Huizinga, Infantium Victoria by Dinie van den Heuvel, Terézia Krnáčová, Lapidar (Jessica Celis, Salomon Elsler, Elena Völkle, Nadine Werner), Alfred Leuzinger/ open art museum, Léonie Ludovicy, Pauline Lutz, Madame Europe, Madame Tricot, Yves Meier, Pusha Petrov, Carlo Rampazzi, Joan Sallas, Sinnlich Essen (Sabrina Berger, Cajetana Oechslin, Larissa Riesen, Lisa Rubio), Natalia Solo-Mâtine, Sabina Speich, taktik:haptik (Lisa Blaser, Zora Weidkuhn, Nathan Werlen), Tischgesellschaft (Jana Besimo, Valerie Meta Ehrenbold, Lisa Schöpflin). The exhibition is curated by Dr. Alexandra Schüssler.

I believe St.Gallen Textilmuseum in Switzerland, which I have recently visited, is a must-have destination for all fashion and textile design lovers. In addition to its permanent collection of historical textiles and interesting textile exhibitions as the one discussed in this post, the museum has an impressive Textile Library including valuable books, magazines, and fabric samples. Don’t forget that the city of St.Gallen is historically famous for its lace and embroidery industry. The museum library contains hundreds of sample books, fashion sketches, and photographs kept in the display cabinets and cupboards.

Posted on September 13, 2024September 13, 2024 by laviniaban 0

Forever – Valentino

Everybody loves Valentino. The Maison Valentino, founded in 1960 by Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti, grew into one of the prominent fashion labels in the world, worn during the last six decades by celebrities, princesses, and fashionistas around the world. Under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli, the recent Valentino collections continue to impress through artistic value and craftsmanship, supported by Piccioli’s interest in innovation, creative experiments, diversity, and cinematic appearances.

From the 28th of October 2022, Qatar Museums in Doha will host a major fashion exhibition dedicated to Maison Valentino (Forever – Valentino). Running until the 1st of April 2023, the event is a tribute to Valentino Garavani and his iconic creations. For those living in the Middle East or planning to travel to Doha in the upcoming months, this is definitely on the must-see list – it will be the first and largest Valentino exhibition in the Middle East.

Curated by Massimiliano Gioni, artistic director of the New Museum New York, and the fashion critic and author Alexander Fury, in close collaboration with Valentino Creative Director Pierpaolo Piccioli, the exhibition promises a unique experience. Conceived as an immersive scenography inspired by the city of Rome, Valentino’s home and source of inspiration, the Forever – Valentino exhibition features over 200 Valentino Haute Couture pieces and ready-to-wear outfits displayed on mannequins by La Rosa, accompanied by accessories and fashion objects, along with private memories and precious discoveries from the brand archives.

I find the location of this fashion exhibition equally appealing. The Forever – Valentino exhibition is part of the ambitious projects of M7 Qatar. M7 is an initiative developed and supported by Qatar Museums to build a solid creative ecosystem in Qatar.

Located in Msheireb, Doha’s historical district, M7 functions as Qatar’s creative hub for fashion and design industry and a public showcase for innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. The exquisite architecture of the space, designed by John McAslan + Partners, is a modernist take on the Qatari heritage style.

The M7 exhibition programme features significant events focused on local and global fashion, design, photography, and films. It previously hosted an impressive Dior retrospective (Christian Dior Designer of Dreams (November 2021-March 2022).

Posted on October 24, 2022October 24, 2022 by laviniaban 0

Hidden Treasures – Jewelry from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

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If it happens to be in Dubai these days, you definitely need to visit d3 (Dubai Design District) where an exquisite jewelry exhibition is on display till April 13^th.

Hidden Treasures: Jewelry from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, an exhibition gathering more than 300 priceless items of jewelry from Saudi Arabia, from Bedouin styles to pieces belonging to the royal family, was organized by the French jewelry design school L’Ecole Van Cleef & Arpels.

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The collection belongs to Art of Heritage group from Riyadh, established 30 years ago as a cultural trust aiming to promote research and study around Saudi culture, arts and crafts. Art of Heritage sets a foundation for a future museum bringing together artworks and objects that reflect the history and lifestyle of various Saudi tribes and regions since the 19th century.

Pramod Kumar KG, the curator of Hidden Treasures: Jewelry from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, highlights the complexity and diversity of the pieces on display, as being relevant not only for the Arab identity but for the multiple influences Arabs were exposed to – African, Egyptian, Celtic, Austrian, Indian etc.

“From the works of the pilgrims that came to Makkah and stayed on and created different crafts … to the goods and influences from the trade routes that passed through, to the newer styles and creations by designers in the Kingdom, the Art of Heritage Museum, when it opens, will be one of a kind,” says Kumar KG (read more on Arab News)

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The display conceived for the exhibition is also fascinating – the choice of black faceless mannequins not only highlights the shape and style of jewelry pieces showcased, but also creates special atmosphere. With the styling concept, Hidden Treasures: Jewelry from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia brings in the bold mysterious presences recalling various generations of women that wore these accessories – the hidden beauties of the Arab world.

Images source: thenational.ae

Posted on April 7, 2019April 7, 2019 by laviniaban 0

Vogue x Saudi Arabia

Vogue Italia teamed up with Rubaiyat, the faimous Saudi luxury fashion retailer, to support the young talents of Saudia Arabia fashion scene. The result was a great event held during 3 days (20th-22nd of April) in various locations of city of Jeddah – Boulevard, Rubaiyat Department Store, Park Hayatt hotel.

10 Saudi young fashion designers – the finalists of the Vogue contest, had the opportunity to showcase their creations in front of the Vogue team and to meet iconic figures such as Franca Sozzani, Alberta Ferretti, Silvia Venturini Fendi.

Finally there was not one, but four designers, selected by Vogue Italia as result of Saudi Talent Scouting. They will be further promoted by Vogue Italia, who provides them with a valuable support at the beginning of their career. Nora Aldamer of Chador, Mariam Bin Mahfouz and Nouf Hakeem of Haal Inc. will have the opportunity to participate at Milano Moda Donna, while Alaa Balkhy (Fyunka) will start a collaboration with Carpisa.

For me, as I attended for the first time a fashion event in Jeddah, it was a good opportunity to get a real picture of the Saudi fashion design scene and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. There were plenty of passionate youngsters, fresh graduates that showed maturity and professionalism in their creative approach. Therefore Vogue Experience Jeddah will go on.

Selection of young Saudi fashion designers work, as displayed at Rubaiyat Department Store during the Vogue event, Saudi Talent Scouting in Jeddah.

Posted on May 13, 2016May 13, 2016 by laviniaban 0

Cottweiler

BEN COTTRELL AND MATTHEW DAINTY, COLLECTIVELY KNOW AS COTTWEILER, ARE CONCEPT LED DESIGNERS WHO RESPOND INSTINCTIVELY TO THEIR SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT. FORWARD THINKING DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING IS COMBINED WITH AN ASPIRATIONAL QUALITY TO FORM A RELEVANT, MENSWEAR LABEL.

IN ADDITION TO PRODUCING SEASONAL COLLECTIONS STOCKED WORLDWIDE, COTTWEILER PRODUCE FILMS AND INSTALLATIONS, WHICH HAVE BEEN SHOWCASED AT THE INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ARTS, LONDON, HAUS DER KUNST, MUNICH AND ALISON JACQUES GALLERY, LONDON.

Primarily, Cottweiler caught my attention through their innovative approach to athletic gear. Since sportswear became a major orientation in fashionable streetwear of the moment, there is a constant need to redefine it. Design duo Matt Dainty and Ben Cottrell definitely know how to do that. Throughout seasons, with every new Cottweiler collection, their style becomes more and more refined, achieving a luxurious touch.

I appreciate their taste for art installations instead the traditional catwalk shows, their interest for technical vs. natural fabrics, their carefully constructed details and stunning fashion silhouettes. Cotweiler’s Fall 15 menswear collection, shown at Alison Jacques Gallery, London, mixing the sport casual vibe with stylish and weird display (see pictures), deserves a special consideration. A smart combination of sport elements, workwear style, sophisticated details and hi-tech fabrics, I guess this is what should be labeled as “modern sportswear”. While workwear inspiration always proved to be a successful formula (from jeans and Doc Martens to aprons and overalls), Cottweiler leads it to another level – look at those white boots, amazing!

images via showstudio.com

Posted on September 11, 2015September 30, 2015 by laviniaban 0

A Few Grams of Red, Yellow, Blue

Alex Mirutziu in collaboration with Elias Merino – Scotopolitic Objects #2 for five performers and electroacoustic impromptu/

In the opening of “A few grams of red, yellow, blue. New Romanian Art” exhibition, Center for Contemporary Art Ujazdowski Castle Warsaw ( March 10-June 8 2014)/

Performers: from left to right: Maxim Liulca, Diana Marincu, Razvan Sadean, Flaviu Rogojan, Radu Comsa/ Photo © CCA Warsaw

Posted on March 15, 2014March 17, 2014 by laviniaban 0

Not A Toy

Toronto’s Design Exchange museum is displaying an expensive exhibition dedicated to toys. Titled ‘This Is Not A Toy‘, the exhibition is curated by John Wee Tom, Sara Nickelson and Pharrell Williams, and it runs till May 19th, 2014.

‘This Is Not A Toy‘ features an exciting collection of artworks and “conceptual toys” created by famous artists including KAWS, Takashi Murakami, Coarse, Huck Gee and Frank Kozik. The value of the toys displayed range from $2 to $2 million. Did you know that Pharell Williams is a passionate toy collector? Many of these pieces are part of his personal collection.

Posted on March 2, 2014March 17, 2014 by laviniaban 0

Fashion Salad