In our society based on images and continuous visual stimuli, fashion is analysed from different perspectives, yet its power to communicate strong ideas and deeper messages is often underestimated or simply forgotten in favour of brands and logos.
A recently opened exhibition at the Musée de design et d'arts appliqués contemporains (MUDAC) in Lausanne, tries instead to explore fashion and accessories as means of communication and the relationship between fashion and graphic design.
Originally designed by José van Teunissen, professor of fashion theory at Arnhem and the University of the Arts in London for the Museum of the Image (MOTI) in Breda, this new version of the event features an additional section with works by students and graduates of the art and design institutes of Basel and Geneva.
"Couture Graphique" is divided in three sections all exploring new visual languages of communication and the power certain garments may have to act as informative vehicles. The event opens with the total look theme and the power of the all-embracing visual style.
The latter is tackled via garments by brands and fashion houses with such a strong identity that they do not even need to use logos to be recognised. This section features not just designs by Chanel and Burberry, but also hand-painted pieces by Dries Van Noten, Raf Simons's arty designs, Victor and Rolf's wedding dress, and an installation inspired by an hospital by A.F. Vandervorst.
Younger visitors with an interest in graphic art will enjoy the bold and pop aesthetic of the designers - among them Walter Van Beirendonck, Bernhard Willhelm, Bas Kosters and Henrik Vibskov - in the second section.
This part looks indeed at clothes, but also at the instruments of communication including flyers and brochures linked with specific brands, highlighting how all these tools help designers coming up with their own visual languages and codes that prove (at least in some cases) stimulating also on the artistic level. This second section also looks at the T-shirt, conceived as a blank canvas, a protest garment that can be used to shout out slogans and messages.
The third section is instead dedicated to people with an interest in the future and in pieces incorporating technology - including 3D printing, digital weaving and smart fabrics (hologram dresses and armchairs that turn into evening gowns are among the highlights).
The exhibition is immersed in an arty atmosphere: the spaces are decorated by Gijs Frieling and Job Wouters who worked on Dies Van Noten's Autumn/Winter 2012-13 menswear show, and feature murals by Flemish graphic artist Paul Boudens.
The installations dedicated to the work of students from the HEAD-Geneva and the Academy of Art and Design Basel are particularly interesting since they feature garments inspired by art and science characterised by a futuristic edge.
"Couture Graphique" is accompanied by a series of workshops about printing and textile design open not just to grown up, but to kids as well.
"Couture Graphique", MUDAC - Musée de design et d'arts appliqués contemporains, Pl. de la Cathédrale 6, Lausanne, until 9th June 2014.
Image credits for this post
1 - 8 Views of the exhibition "Couture Graphique" at MOTI - Museum of the Image, Breda, The Netherlands, 2013.
9. Jeremy Gaillard, "I heard about a shell who wanted to be a molt", 2013; Photography © Philippe Fragnière.
10. Xénia Laffey, "Tu n'aura pas d’autre icone que moi et tu mangera ton père", 2012 © Xénia Laffely.
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