When I initially saw the work of Alexa Meade I was confused. Is it a photograph or a painting? Then it registered that they’re both. As I’d first thought Alexa doesn’t take photographs then paints into them, she entitles the creation of her work as ethereal installations; she paints the objects and people in layers of acrylic before photographing them within the scene.
This creates a 3-dimensional painting transforming the installation into a 2-dimensional image with a striking effect on the viewer. She presents her performances of painting as live and interactive installations before creating a photographic documentary of the installation.
I really am amazed at the process and think that in a world full of painters that this is really a unique idea and methodology of practising art. From a PR and political background having worked on the Obama campaign, she is fascinated by the concept of repackaging sources, modifying how they appear and how different audience members will perceive the content and work, just as I did initially when I first saw one of her images.
Image Source: AlexaMeade TheCulturist
Posted by: Monica Smith
Our Fashion Hero of the week this week is young emerging photographer Naomi James. Naomi, who plays around with ethnic cool compositions has a vast array of jewellery to adorn her picture capturing hands whist she photographs her days away. I love her jewellery and how much this plays a part in her ethnic orientated style. Sometimes slightly androgynous, but usually draped to shape Naomi’s style is as visual and aesthetically pleasing as her photography.
Naomi initially became immersed in photography at a young age, snapping her first shots to photographic fame at the age of 10 for Black Pride. Born to parents who are also both artists and photographers, she flourished whilst being surrounded by visual stimulation. Naomi, who also shoots portraiture and landscapes from all over the globe specialises in fashion photography using natural light and has collaborated with many artists, fashion bloggers and designers.
I really love how Naomi embraces print, colour and headscarves with such bravery. Her can-do attitude of emblazoning youth is really captivated by her style.
ImageSource: ShowStudio Mr.Mac SketchbookBlog MySpace SeamlessFashion
I’mTheOnlyOneOnMyStreet
Posted by: Monica Smith
Ryan McGinley is showing an exhibition in New York this month but it is his catalogue of work that has really blown my mind.
He graduated from Parsons New School for Design in 2000 and has built a portfolio of striking and beautiful photographic work. I have spent a good stretch of time just looking through his photographs being amazed.
The current exhibition is his collaborative work with models and animals and they have an amusing quality to them but the images that stand out for me are the ones of bodies silhouetted against striking colour backgrounds. The bodies seem to be floating through the air. I suggest you have a look at the rest of his work, it is all so stunning.
Image Source: Ryan McGinley, TeamGallery
Posted by: Annika Lyons
Wendy Dagworthy OBE, Dean of the School of Material and Head of Fashion Programme, Royal College of Art - London.
Menswear Designers Left: Benedicte Holmboe, Right: Zack Marshall
Menswear Designers Left: Thomas Crisp, Right: Peter Bailey
Womenswear Designers Left: Rebecca Thomson, Right: Julia Mackenroth
Womenswear Designers Left: Apu Jan, Right: Lorren Johnson
Footwear Designers Above: Maurice van de Stouwe, Below: Alvaro Gonzalez
As promised in my previous post showcasing the collections of MA students from RCA London here is the interview with the dean of the School of Material and head of Fashion Programme, Royal College of Art – Professor Wendy Dagworthy OBE and few more preview images of the collections this years MA students have created.
What are you offering (personally) at the RCA MA course that makes it so desirable?
The RCA Fashion programme offers students the opportunity to be individual, confident, experimental and to challenge and believe in themselves as designers.
How has your own experience of designing and starting up a label impacted on the teaching methods you now utilise?
I had my own business for 16 years which gave me numerous design skills and a broad knowledge of the industry that I try to pass on to the students.
What is the driving force/goal amongst you and your colleagues?
Teaching is a really rewarding experience and we learn as much from the students as they do from us! It’s exciting to see students develop their ideas and progress as designers whilst they’re at the College. When we see them go on to have successful careers it makes it all worthwhile.
What attributes do you look for when narrowing down your selection of students for the course?
Personal research, original inspiration and individuality. Also an ability to develop work that translates into innovative end results.
You have mentioned in previous interviews, that you sometimes take a ‘risk’ selecting students. What is it about their work that ultimately convinces you?
I like to see students who aren’t afraid of taking risks or experimentation in their work. But they should also have a passion for design and a drive to succeed. Sometimes it might be a spark in their personality that sets them apart.
With graduate unemployment at a high, how is RCA assuring that their MA students are best prepared to enter the industry or start up on their own?
The department has excellent links with the fashion industry and as part of the curriculum the students do several collaborations with top companies or organisations. For example, the first year students do a tailoring project with Italian label Brioni; we launched a sustainable clothing range with Esprit last year and some of our students were selected to design uniforms for the London 2012 Olympics. All of this experience prepares the students for employment. The College also has professional development training which provides students with business, PR and marketing skills.
Internships are now offered widely across the industry, how important are they or is education still the best way to get into the fashion industry?
Internships are really important as part of a good educational training. I would advise anyone interested in a fashion career to do an undergraduate degree and take on internships with companies that will give them good industry experience. The RCA is a postgraduate university – most of our students have completed a BA and then either work in industry for a couple of years before coming here or they come straight from university. A fashion degree helps students develop their research and gives a solid understanding of design – practically and aesthetically. It allows them to create their own ideas and see them through to fruition.
How do you go about advising students wanting to start their own label?
Building a successful label takes time and money so think about it very carefully and don’t jump into it as soon as you graduate. Gradually build up a client base first and if you can find a partner to help with the business side of things this will allow you to concentrate on designing.
With such economic uncertainty what are the greatest challenges fashion students are facing today?
I think it’s a tough time for any industry at the moment and there are more graduates applying for fewer jobs. It can also be difficult for young designers to find investors who will help them set up in business. I think uncertain economic times also make people more resourceful and graduates will often pool resources or set up their own studios to help each other out.
Since the very first beginnings of London Fashion Week – when you were involved as one of the founders – London has been seen as an innovator. What can be done to ensure more of our designers continue on this path, but also build successful businesses?
London is a fantastic city for creativity and new opportunities so stay here if you can. Take advantage of applying for grants or competitions from organisations like the British Fashion Council or Fashion Fringe. From an educational perspective, fashion colleges should continue to encourage experimentation amongst their students, so London is still seen as an innovator, not a follower.
Posted by: Homaira Kavde
