Project Outline…
In June I attended a reading of Vivienne Westwood’s Manifesto, “Active Resistance to Propaganda”. The key ideas within the piece resonated with me, and have influenced the growth of my work since.
Put most simply, I see the key point of the manifesto being that only by embracing a new, more environmentally friendly way of life, will we be able to remedy the damage our civilization has done to the earth. This should not be seen as a punishment for the ills of ancestors, but as a celebration. Westwood believe our generation’s willingness to embrace a cause and follow it whole-heartedly is the key to the salvation of the planet.
The first step is effecting change.
Instead of pursuit of material possession and financial gain, Westwood promotes knowledge and information becoming the new currency passed amongst society. Individual’s purpose in life being to fully understand and appreciate culture, art, and fashion freely, without limits; for it to be a part of their everyday life.
My starting point for this project is to fully digest Westwood’s manifesto, and explore the aspects of it I find most interesting. In turn, I will write my own manifesto, putting these concepts into practice.
I am exploring ways in which garments can be used as an interface; a constructed forum upon which an individual invites interaction between themselves and society. This information will form the basis of my research around the manifestation of my project; the garment becoming a space for fashion designers and artists to collaborate. Blurring the boundaries of both fashion and art, taking them out of the contained spaces, and allowing them to engage with each other and the viewer.
My initial idea is to introduce some sort of screen into the garment, either displaying a still or motion graphic of the artwork or works. A season, or line, will be paired with an exhibit. Within each garment, there will also be a device, which emits a receivable feed. Viewers will be able to download this information, which will act as a digital catalogue for both the designer and artist, allowing the passing of knowledge between the wearer and the public.
It is important that the designer and artist work together, creating an overall affect. The integrity of the artwork, or fashion pieces should be compromised by the other. Equally, the artwork and garment is not interchangeable. The wearer is making a choice when they select a piece, and taking ownership for the statement and effect their garment makes.
