Art & Architecture: Taubman Museum of Art in Virginia, USA launches Swoon

The distinctive design of the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke, Virginia, stands out in the urban landscape. Situated in the heart of downtown near the city market area, its location is part of the city's efforts to revitalize and enhance the cultural offerings of the downtown area.

This November, the Taubman Museum of Art has launched Swoon, an exhibition to celebrate the work of contemporary American Street artist and activist Swoon, whose real name is Caledonia Curry.  

Swoon is known for her use of delicate paper cutouts which gives her pieces a distinct and ethereal quality. 

Born in 1977 in New London, Connecticut, Swoon's work is characterized by intricately cut paper portraits and figures that she often wheat-pastes onto buildings and other public spaces. Her art often incorporates elements of mythology, social issues, and personal narratives. 

Swoon studied at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, where she developed her skills as an artist. Her early works gained attention for their unique blend of street art, activism, and community engagement. 

Swoon's work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, in both solo and group exhibitions. Over the years, Swoon has collaborated with other artists and engaged in diverse projects. She has worked on large-scale installations, public murals, and community-based art initiatives. Her approach often involves collaboration with local communities to create site-specific and socially engaged artworks.

Blue Panel Star, 2020 - Swoon.
Wood, spray paint, hand-cut paper and silkscreen on
paper.

The artist adopted the name "Swoon" early in her career. The choice of the name reflects the emotional impact she aims to have on viewers with her art, creating a sense of awe or "swooning" in response to the beauty and depth of the work.   The Swoon exhibition is on until March 10, 2024.

As for the architecture of the Taubman Museum, it was designed by American architect Randall Stout (1958 - 2014) and completed in 2008. 

Stout took special care to honour naturalistic elements of the Roanoke geographic surroundings in designing the museum's architecture featuring a striking combination of glass and steel, with a dynamic, angular structure that incorporates both geometric and organic forms, according to the museum literature.

Suspended in the atrium of Taubman Museum of Art is
"Experiment in Gravity"- Alyson Shotz, 2019 - 2023
Punched, painted aluminium trailer skin, stainless steel rings, airplane cable, steel support.

The design is characterized by a series of interconnected, cantilevered boxes that create a sense of movement and openness. The extensive use of glass allows natural light to fill the interior spaces and provides visitors with views of the surrounding cityscape.  

View of Blue Ridge Mountains from McAfee Knob.

The Roanoke Star -
The iconic symbol of 
 the city of Roanoke, Virginia.

The 77-foot glass peak in the atrium recalls the point of the Roanoke Star (above Mill Mountain), and the undulating roofline reflects the Blue Ridge Mountains.

"Dancer" - Betty Branch, 1934
Rosa Portuguese Marble

An associate in Frank O. Gehry’s office before establishing his own firm in 1996 in Los Angeles, Stout was known for his innovative and sustainable architectural designs, often referenced with the influence of Frank O. Gehry and other contemporary architects such as Zaha Hadid and Coop Himmelblau.

Stout specialised in cultural projects, especially midsize museums and cultural facilities. His portfolio includes the clifflike Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts in Birmingham, Alabama, and the Art Gallery of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

At his death in 2014, Stout was an associate professor in the architecture school at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

All images by Lucia Carpio.

Textile Trade Fair: Denim Première Vision reports vibrant show in Milan this November

While denim fashion continues to be a staple in our wardrobe, new fabric developments with sustainability hold key to the future of the industry as evidenced in the recently concluded Denim Première Vision trade fair held at Milan's Superstudio Più  on 22 and 23 November.

Organisers hailed the show as a success, reporting 2,322 trade visitors (+15% over the previous November 2022 event) including fashion and accessories brand managers, buyers, designers and production managers who had attended the fair to gather information on innovations in jeanswear and the latest denim developments  for the Spring/Summer 2025 season.

There were 69 exhibitors, of which 69% were denim spinners and weavers, 20% garment makers and finishers, 7% service and technology firms and 4% accessories and component manufacturers who represented 15 countries including Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Turkey, Morocco, Japan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, India, Mauritius, Uzbekistan, and Taiwan.

In addition to providing a comprehensive denim-sourcing offer from the exhibitors, organisers also set up a new edition of the Denim Fashion District where 15 denim brands were featured with innovative developments.

Material science company Recover showcased its new collection, the GRS-certified Reiconics collection, made from Recover's recycled cotton fibre and Spanish cotton.  This was the result of a collaboration with denim manufacturer Evlox and Spanish tech company Jeanologia. The collection of a total of 14 garments showcased how truly circular products can bring value to fashion through a process that implements eco-design, transparency, process measurement, traceability, and scalability. The company said they had data suggesting that 'recycled' is the most sought after keyword in the fashion apparel industry.

Fabio Adami Dalla Val, Denim Première Vision Show Manager, commented: "This new edition of Denim PV was amazing, with a highly qualified visitor base and a palpable excitement in the aisles.  The quality of products presented by exhibitors was of a very high level, across the board, regardless of origins. Denim has enjoyed a prominent spot in the luxury world for some years now, and that trend continues. Whether casual or more sophisticated, denim remains a versatile material that is constantly gaining ground. The denim industry is currently in a state of transition, a perfect reflection of the textile industry’s global aspirations to achieving sustainable, high quality, cutting-edge production."

The fair also included a programme of conferences and talks, fashion seminars for exploring the season’s trends, and special installations and workshops. 

The SS25 denim trends focused on quality, artisanship and meticulously crafted products according to industry experts, with special emphasis put on the beauty of fabrics and colours.  On the other hand, some of the developments appeared at times subtle and other times pronounced, thanks to innovative textures and dyes, said Lorenza Martello, Denim Expert - Première Vision.

Miss Martello said, "We see a certain abandonment of the traditional jeanswear style. Denim is surprisingly diverse, with options ranging from rigorous to creative, thick to fluid, adapted in a variety of styles and featuring more virtuous solutions across all product categories. 

"The search for more sustainable design alternatives has been developing for years, and it’s a movement that continues to grow.  The SS25 denim trends pay particular attention to colour, and you can see that in the use of natural or recycled pigments, and the low-water consumption techniques being adopted. Materials - particularly where they are from - play an increasingly central role in the manufacturing process. The players in our industry want to pair an ethical approach with comfort and style."

Denim Première Vision will return to Superstudio Più on 5 and 6 June 2024 for the Autumn-Winter 25-26 season, followed by 4 and 5 December 2024 for the Spring-Summer 26 Denim trends.

All images from Denim Première Vision website.

Christmas 2023: Annual Winter Light exhibition sets London's Southbank Centre site aglow

As the dark winter nights draw in, London is alight with festive installations that are best enjoyed outside after dark.

Squire & Partners x Southbank Centre Winter Windows 2023 

For one, the Southbank Centre, situated on the bank of the River Thames, a stone's throw from the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, is featuring a series of outdoor artworks from contemporary artists that play with light and colour, at the same time exploring topics at the forefront of society, such as individual and collective identity, the environment and technology.  Also included are five new works for 2023.  

All free to be viewed and enjoyed from now until 7 Januanry 2024.

Jokob Kvist’s Dichroic Sphere 
Image by Christoffer Askman
Courtesy of Southbank Centre

Southbank Centre encourages visitors to follow their map to find the artwork as one wanders around the various venues, terraces and buildings, including the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Royal Festival Hall and Hayward Gallery.

The exhibition features work by David Batchelor, Jakob Kvist, David Ogle, Fred Tschida, Tim Etchells, Leo Villareal, Marinella Senatore, Kendall Geers, Squire & Partners with Oasis Academy Johanna and Denman+Gould with Maeve Polkinhorn.

Illuminating the windows of the Queen Elizabeth Hall is a brand new installation by Year 6 students from local school Oasis Academy Johanna, in collaboration with Brixton-based architecture practice, Squire & Partners. Squire & Partners x Southbank Centre Winter Windows 2023 transforms the drawings produced during workshops into bespoke, winter-themed neon shapes.

Fred Tschida's Sphere
Image by Owen Billcliffe
Courtesy of Southbank Centre

Visitors can encounter Marinella Senatore’s large-scale decorative light sculpture We Rise by Lifting Others and hypnotic, intricate patterns in Leo Villareal’s generative digital installation Cosmic Bloom.  Produced by Outland Art, the work is accompanied by tracks from international electronic music artist Kode9. 

David Ogle's Loomin
Image by Owen Billcliffe
Courtesy of Southbank Centre

Tim Etchells’ intriguing pair of neon light artworks Suddenly (Morning and Night), provide a moment to ponder over the perceived passage of time. Stand in the red glow of Kendell Geers' Hope Is A Four Letter Word (2017), combining language and light to explore power and truth and incite positive change.

Marinella Senatore's Installation as viewed at
Palazzo Strozzi, Florence
Image by OKNO Studio

David Ogle’s fluorescent light canopy Loomin (2020) returns to the South Bank riverside, as well as David Batchelor’s glowing chromatic roof installation Sixty Minute Spectrum (2017), Fred Tschida’s giant rotating orb SPHERE and Jokob Kvist’s glimmering Dichroic Sphere (2020). 

Continuing into the winter months from its summer residency is pocket meadow Haven by Denman + Gould w/ Maeve Polkinhorn, a wildlife sanctuary nestled in the brutalist concrete of the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

Winter Light is curated by Cedar Lewisohn, Curator of Site Design at the Southbank Centre, with Assistant Curators Mark Healy and Madeleine Lynch, and Curatorial Assistant Helena Adalsteinsdottir.

Christmas 2023: The UK’s original festive light trail returns to Kew Gardens in London

The world-famous botanic gardens in London - Kew Gardens - is relaunching "the UK's original feature light trail" this Christmas by showcasing seasonal favourites alongside eight never-before-seen immersive installations, and for the first time, featuring with Brand Partner John Lewis.

New displays include 3m high illuminated flowers, cascading lights suspended from the tree canopy and one of the longest light tunnels to ever feature at Christmas at Kew (15 November 2023 – 7 January 2024.)

Palm House light show at the 10th Christmas at Kew
(c) Raymond Gubbay Ltd, Richard Haughton

Highlights include the iconic Palm House light show where visitors can enjoy a series of light displays -  LED lights ‘float’ and dance on the surface of the adjacent lake.

Since the inaugural Christmas at Kew trail in 2013, this festive event has enchanted visitors with a unique seasonal experience.  This year’s trail is a celebration of nature by night, bringing Kew’s incredible natural architecture to life. 

This Christmas, Kew is asking visitors to do One Small Thing. Illuminated illustrations inspired by the natural world will combine with evocative messaging, encouraging visitors to make a small change and help protect the environment. This mirrors Kew’s mission, to understand and protect plants and fungi for the wellbeing of people and the future of all life on Earth. Since the first festive trail in 2013, the Christmas at Kew team have been looking at ways to deliver a more sustainable light trail, and their 2022 trail used 50% less power than in 2021.

For the first time, Kew’s iconic contemporary art installation, The Hive, will feature in the light trail. At a towering 17 metres tall, The Hive is a striking multi-sensory installation that connects to a real bee colony living at Kew, expressing its life in light and sound created by U.K based artist Wolfgang Buttress. This Christmas, over 1000 LED lights will glow and respond to a new rhythm triggered by a bespoke soundscape.

Lili by TILT

Elsewhere, Lili by TILT, a series of abstract, illuminated flowers that stand at almost 3 metres tall, towering over visitors, makes its UK debut. ArtAV return with Trapezoid, one of the longest light tunnels to ever feature at Christmas at Kew. Along Camellia Walk visitors will wander beneath over 400 colourful cascading lights suspended from the tree canopy, all set against an assortment of neon backdrops.

Moonlight Flowers by OGE Group

Creative studio Pitaya return to Kew with Spark Ballet, 24 lanterns filled with subtly sparkling lights that appear to ‘dance’, and Candles. This brand-new commission sees one hundred candles suspended in the air, magically appearing to float above visitors’ heads. The flickering flames will illuminate tree-lined passageways to create an enchanting festive atmosphere.

With many of Kew’s 12,000 trees and other botanical treasures being accentuated along the route, visitors can wander beneath colourful canopies and bushes draped in seasonal sparkle, experiencing nature from a new perspective whilst treasuring the essential role that plants play in all our lives.

Christmas Cathedral (c) RBG Kew, Jeff Eden

Other returning favourites include Kew’s famous Christmas Cathedral, a twinkling tunnel of light inspired by arched church windows, and a newly designed Fire Garden where more than 300 candles line the path to the Temperate House, the oldest Victorian glasshouse in the world, as flame bulbs create the illusion that this cathedral of glass is glowing from within. 

To add on the experience at Kew, visitors can book a traditional Christmas dinner at The Botanical Brasserie and  Kids favourites can be found at the Family Kitchen & Shop, plus there is a selection of treats from independent street food vendors also available along the route. 

Sandra Botterell, Director of Marketing and Commercial Enterprise at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, said: ‘Christmas at Kew is a magical celebration of Kew’s natural landscape, offering sparkle and festivities during the winter months. With an incredible range of brand-new installations and some returning favourites, this year’s trail is guaranteed to be a seasonal spectacle like no other.’

Rosie Hanley, Director of Marketing at John Lewis, said: 'John Lewis is delighted to be part of this iconic trail which over the years has become a new Christmas tradition for many to enjoy together. As the only brand partner to have ever been integrated into Christmas at Kew, we are excited to unveil our installation for all visitors to enjoy.'

Meanwhile at Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, Glow Wild celebrates a milestone 10 years. Bringing festive magic and wonder to the South East with 10 new installations and myriad hand-crafted lanterns, this winter lantern trail is not to be missed.

Tickets for Christmas at Kew and Glow Wild are available to purchase at: www.kew.org

Christmas 2023: UK’s Wakehurst gardens open Glow Wild festival with UK's tallest living Christmas tree

Wakehurst* unveils UK's tallest Christmas tree standing at 37m tall
adorned with 1800 energy-saving light bulbs.
Photo: Visual Air © RBG Kew 2023 

As retailers around the country are promoting Black Friday deals (an American tradition after Thanksgiving that falls on Thursday November 23 this year), Wakehurst* gardens in Sussex get off to a festival start for the Christmas 2023 season by unveiling "UK’s tallest living Christmas tree" and open the 10th anniversary of Glow Wild, a festive trail that is brought to life after dark.

Wakehurst* hosts Glow Wild to light up its wild botanic garden, bringing festive magic and wonder with 10 new installations and myriad hand-crafted lanterns. The 2023 edition of the winter lantern trail marks a decade of mesmerising memories and community spirit.
Photo: Visual Air © RBG Kew 2023 

Glow Wild is opened on selected evenings from 23 November 2023 to 1 January 2024,  from 4.30pm to 10pm (last entry 8.20pm), offering various ticket options including flexible tickets.

Wakehurst celebrates its tenth anniversary of Glow Wild, billed as Sussex's ultimate festive trail, featuring a never-before-seen route with brand new installations, and plenty of other surprises, according to Wakehurst's press statement. 

As darkness falls, the gardens are brought to life with beautifully hand-crafted winter lanterns and captivating light installations created by leading artists.

With under 4s going free, Glow Wild is the perfect Christmas sensory experience for little ones and indeed the whole family. This year, Glow Wild celebrates the sublime, inviting visitors to become part of the trail and discover awe-inspiring moments in nature.

Photo: Visual Air © RBG Kew 2023 

During this opening week, Wakehurst offers special ticket promotion plus new flexible ticket offer that allows date swaps and upgrades up to 72 hours before visit in recognition of the strains faced by many during the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Wakehurst has released accessible priced tickets for the opening week of Glow Wild and hopes this, combined with its free tickets for under 4-year-olds, helps families as they prepare for the festive season. The new flexible ticket offer allows bookers to swap or upgrade tickets up to 72 hours before their visit – available for new and existing bookings.

Photo: Visual Air © RBG Kew 2023 

There are lots to do in Glow Wild, including a series of new sessions for adult-only nights, quiet experiences, and relaxed slots adapted for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Marking a milestone 10 years, this year’s theme invites visitors to reflect on the awe-inspiring moments in the natural world – from epic examples of wildlife to delicate details of plants and fungi. In true Glow Wild tradition, over 1000 lanterns are handmade by local volunteers and community groups, with the tenth anniversary mile- long trail also boasting eight brand new bespoke installations from leading artists.

Photo: Visual Air © RBG Kew 2023 

There is a new interactive experience with Wakehurst’s ‘Starkeeper’ from Long Nose Puppets. Visitors young and young at heart are invited to make a wish on a star to hang in the ‘sky forest’ before they continue their journey. Other friendly faces can be found in giant parading peacock, Percy who give a glowing welcome to all entering the gardens.

In addition there are pop-up stalls throughout the trail offering dwelling points to admire installations whilst visitors can enjoy hot drinks and snacks. Crackling fire pits located close to the Starkeeper form the perfect spot for toasting marshmallows, whilst festive grab and go options can be found under the UK’s tallest living Christmas tree.

Quiet Sessions are available every night at 4.15pm, whilst a series of Relaxed Sessions offer gentle performances adapted especially for children with special educational needs and disabilities. For those looking for the perfect date-night, adult-only slots will run each Friday at 8pm offering a quieter, more intimate experience.

*Wakehurst is affiliated to London's Kew Gardens. It is home to the Millennium Seed Bank, with more than 500 acres of diverse landscapes and plants from across the globe.

Denim Fair: Milan plays host to Denim Première Vision - November 22 - 23, 2023

Come November 22 - 23, Superstudio Più in Milan will be hosting the new edition of Denim Première Vision, a biannual event dedicated to the denim industry, allowing professionals to network and discover the latest on trends, market updates and new developments in eco-responsibility. 

Image: Denim Première Vision

With a Fashion Forum, Talks, seminars, and guided visits, the programme for this edition will revolve around key industry challenges, as the international trade professionals descend onto Milan known as the one of the historic capitals of denim - the birthplace of pioneering brands now ranked among the sector's biggest players.  Organisers of Denim Première Vision review that Milan will be the location not just for this November's event, but also for the upcoming editions in June and November 2024.

Some 69 international exhibitors this November, including weavers, component and accessory makers, garment manufacturers, laundries and finishers - who are set to present their Spring-Summer 25 collections.  They include Advance Denim, Berto, Blue Jeans Lavanderie, Cadica, Calik, Casati, Chottani, Delago, Elleti, Evlox, Fasac, Fashion Art, Foshan Foison Textile, Indigo Textile, Isko, Isko Luxury by PG, Japan Blue, Jeanologia, Kassim, Kilim, Kipas, Kurabo, Kuroki, Montega, Nearchimica, Orta, Outside Denim Lab by Fabritex, Prosperity, Pure Denim, Rajby, Ribbontex, Sharabati, Stella Blu, Tessitura La Colombina, Titanus, Tusa, Zaitex, 496 Lab.

Image: Denim Première Vision

At the heart of the fair is the Fashion Forum where visitors can explore the latest creative trends and sustainable advances for Spring-Summer 25. This 250m2 circular space offers a immersive way to experience the season. In collaboration with Alessio Berto (expert pattern-maker) and exhibitors such as FashionArt (Italian specialist in high-end denim) and Teintures de France (artisanal dyehouse and jeanswear expert), the Première Vision fashion team will be presenting a series of looks inspired by the leading materials for Spring-Summer 25.

With a strong focus on innovation, the fair will cover enhanced recycling innitiatives (using recycled materials such as circulose®, refibra and certain elastomultiesters), natural pigments (such as BioBlack dye obtained from FSC-certified wood waste), regenerative agriculture (aimed at restoring and strengthening natural ecosystems, re-establishing biodiversity, preserving soil quality), according to the organisers.

Michiko Koshino
Image: Denim Première Vision

The Denim Fashion District is a space dedicated to young designers and established denim brands, showcasing never-before-seen capsule collections. To be featured will be Japanese fashion designer Michiko Koshino (whose mother is the celebrated designer Ayako Koshino),  Fade Out Label, Regenes, Daily Blue by Adriano Goldschmied, Stripes of-F Road, Hen's Teeth, Anna Galaganenko, Blue of a Kind, Hnst, Maurizio Massimino, Gimmi Jeans, Leon Emmanuel Blanck.  

For more information on the Denim Fashion District, click HERE.

Image: Denim Première Vision

A full programme of Talks, seminars and guided visits will help trade visitors to analyse and understand the season's trends, and keys information to develop their future collections.

Click HERE for the full programme of talks and seminars.

Collaboration: RORY HUTTON X NARA CAMBRIDGE homeware range launched

Award-winning designer and illustrator Rory Hutton has joined forces with independent homeware brand Nara Cambridge to launch  a range of home linens.

Designer RORY HUTTON (right) andAlexandra Bishop, Founder of  NARA CAMBRIDGE with their

  tablecloth that features a timeless cobalt blue and white teapot design.
Photographed at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, UK.
 

The charming RORY HUTTON X NARA CAMBRIDGE range includes a tablecloth, matching napkin and tea towel featuring a series of ten teapots, inspired by the ceramics of the world-renowned Fitzwilliam Museum,  the art and antiquities museum of the University of Cambridge.

The design of the set features heritage motifs with a modern twist.   Largely from the 18th century, the teapots that provided inspiration included several fine examples of English creamware as well as a charming Staffordshire pot in the shape of a house.

The tablecloth design plays with pattern and colour and features ten teapots.

Printing is done by hand – no screens or other machines
 are employed – and no harmful chemicals or dyes are used. 

The fabrics have been hand-printed using
 natural dyes on
machine washable 100% Cotton.

“The significance of everyday household ceramics such as teapots can sometimes be forgotten. However, these pieces are an important part of our social and cultural heritage, symbols of much-loved rituals and often holding enormous sentimental value” explains Hutton.

Helen Ritchie, Senior Curator of Modern & Contemporary Applied Arts at The Fitzwilliam Museum, adds: “It is wonderful to see teapots from the Fitzwilliam's extensive and important collection of ceramics used in such a beautiful and imaginative way. Intended originally to be used in the home, it is charming to think of these teapots once again adorning people's tables".

Cambridge-based Rory Hutton is recipient of multiple accolades, having designed numerous silk scarves - often featuring vivid lino cuts and striking block designs - for UK arts and heritage institutions, including The Royal Collection and Victoria & Albert Museum and those mentioned above. His creative inspirations include architecture, theatre, opera, and dance. 

Earlier this year, Hutton put out a trio of silk scarfs to  celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty The King Charles III and Her Majesty The Queen.   

In the January 2023 issue of The English Home, Rory Hutton was awarded a New Year Honours in the category of 'Rising Stars'.  He is also a Scottish Edge winner; Ion Magazine Breakthrough Awards winner; runner-up in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, and nominated for the ACE (Association of Cultural Enterprises) Awards.

Though relatively new to the interiors’ scene, Nara Cambridge has already stamped its mark with a collection of high-quality homeware, making use of traditional techniques where it can.   

RORY HUTTON X NARA CAMBRIDGE is no exception. The pair have worked with artisans in Rajasthan, India to combine traditional hand block print techniques with contemporary design.  Reimagining an ancient craft for the modern home whilst providing a dignified livelihood to local artisans.   

Alexandra Bishop, Founder of Nara Cambridge adds: “RORY HUTTON X NARA CAMBRIDGE is joyful - capturing the quirky elegance of Rory Hutton’s design with all the practical benefits of beautifully block-printed fabrics.  

“Hand block printing is a very physical process which gives unpredictable results but, the imperfections add a painterly quality and are what makes this collection so charming”. 

Designer: Igor Dieryck wins the PREMIÈRE VISION GRAND JURY PRIZE at Hyères International Festival

At the 38th Hyères International Festival of Fashion, Photography and Accessories, Belgian designer Igor Dieryck was announced as the winner of the Grand Prix du Jury Première Vision, the Prix 19M Métiers d'art and the Prix du Public.  The event took place on October 15th 2023 at 100 year-old Cubist chateau-turned arts center - Villa Noailles.

"YESSIR" collection by Igor Dieryck who received support from several exhibitors of Première Vision Paris,
including Labels & Things - L&T Caps, Libeco, Beppetex and Rifra Nastri.
Photo courtesy of Première Vision

As part of his prize, the young designer's collection entitled “YESSIR” will be featured in an exhibition dedicated to him at the next edition of Première Vision Paris - one of the industry's most respected international trade fair which will take place February 6, 7 and 8 2024 at the Paris Nord Villepinte exhibition centre.

Dieryck has won prize money of 20,000 euros and also will enjoy collaborations with some of the fashion industry's top names, including an opportunity with Chanel’s Métiers d’Art division to present on the runway in Hyères next year, as well as producing two capsule collections, one with Paris fashion department store Galeries Lafayette, and another with the high-end, eco-friendly label ICICLE, which will hit stores spring of 2024.

The 24-year-old Dieryck is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Brussels and recently joined the Hermès men’s wear studio.  Inspiration for his winning collection came from his work experience at a hotel where he observed "Grand Hotel-era" life while studying for his fashion degree in Antwerp.  

Desolina Suter, Première Vision Fashion Director, comments: "We are more than delighted to welcome Igor's "Yessir" collection to Première Vision Paris in February 2024. The scenography will be directly inspired by his universe, both formal and conceptual. His creations, with their bright colours and bold aesthetic, suggest a retro ambience, providing a captivating visual experience."

As a partner of the Grand Prix du Jury since 2011, Première Vision supports the finalists in the creation and production of their collection. This year's winner Igor Dieryck also received support from several Première Vision trade exhibitors: Labels & Things - L&T Caps, Libeco, Beppetex and Rifra Nastri.

Artist: New York gallery showcases paintings by Hollywood actress Sharon Stone

The C. Parker Gallery in Greenwich, Connecticut, USA, has launched the East Coast premiere of Sharon Stone’s paintings with the new exhibition Sharon Stone: Welcome To My Garden, on view now through December 3.

Sharon Stone with some of her paintings.

The gallery show features 19 paintings by Stone, and is the first time her artworks are exhibited outside of Los Angeles. 

Stone's art is praised by collectors and art world luminaries, including Jerry Saltz (the Senior Art Critic for New York Magazine and winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism). 

Protection, Peace, and Power, by Sharon Stone (acrylic on canvas). 

“I created these works to understand the essence of pure creativity that comes from heartfelt truth, to let go of the noise, the judgements, and the pollution of our societal pulls,” says Sharon Stone in a press release.

A State of Affairs, by Sharon Stone (acrylic on canvas). 

Her connection to nature is always visually present. “Colour becomes a wavelength for me,” says Stone. “Being a colourist moves the directions of my paintings. Colour speaks to me.”

The show was curated by Tiffany Benincasa, the owner/curator of C. Parker Gallery.

Fashion Awards 2023: British Fashion Council announces nominees for Designer of the Year and BFC Foundation Awards

The British Fashion Council has announced nominees for the Designer of the Year and BFC Foundation Awards.  The event: The Fashion Awards 2023 presented by Pandora, will take place on Monday 4th December 2023 at the Royal Albert Hall.

Organised by the BFC, the primary fundraiser for the BFC Foundation, the Awards celebrate the role of fashion at the intersection of culture and entertainment, spotlighting creative talent and telling the stories of the year in fashion through the lens of purpose, excellence, and creativity. British creative energy will be celebrated for its impact on the fashion industry globally, says the BFC in the announcement.

The nominees for Designer of the Year 2023 which recognises a British or international designer whose innovative collections have made a notable impact on the industry, defining the shape of global fashion, are as follows:

Daniel Lee for Burberry

Jonathan Anderson for JW Anderson & LOEWE

Matthieu Blazy for Bottega Veneta

Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons for Prada

Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen

The nominees for the BFC Foundation, which recognises an initiative designer who has had a major impact on global fashion over the past year, are as follows. In honour of the 30th year of BFC NEWGEN, the shortlist, which was voted on by the Voting Committee, is focused on the BFC NEWGEN initiative.

AARON ESH

Chet Lo

Conner Ives

Paolo Carzana

Sinéad O'Dwyer

Nominees for the Model of the Year, British Menswear Designer, British Womenswear Designer, New Establishment Menswear and the New Establishment Womenswear were announced earlier this year and can be found here. The winner of each category will be revealed on the night.

The 2023 accolades also include the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator, Outstanding Achievement Award, Leader of Change as well as several Special Recognition Awards for exceptional contribution to the fashion industry. Additionally, the event will recognise 50 of the most innovative and inspiring young creative talent from around the world as part of NEW WAVE: Creatives. Explore the NEW WAVE: Creatives here.

Separately, the BFC announced the launch of the BFC Foundation MA Joe Casely-Hayford Scholarship and the first ever recipient is Taya Francis of Nottingham Trent University. The scholarship provides support and funding to a student from a Black or mixed heritage background who has an offer from, or is currently studying for an MA at a BFC Colleges Council member university.

Also the late Joe Casely-Hayford’s posthumous Special Recognition Award will be honoured on the night of The Fashion Awards (TFA) 2023 on 4th December at the Royal Albert Hall, London. 

Both the scholarship and award pay tribute to the late designer Casely-Hayford for his enduring legacy and his incredible contributions to fashion and culture.

Fashion Trade Fair: Applications open for Copenhagen Fashion Week AW24 Event and Presentation; Saks Potts wins 2023 Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize

Copenhagen Fashion Week has announced that applications are now open for its AW24 event slated for  29 January – 2 February 2024 and the official Event & Presentation schedule will be released on week/commencing November 27 2023 through the dedicated CFW newsletter and across all social channels, with new additions shared in the lead up to the February edition.  The closing date will be January 27, 2024. 

Backstage at the SS2023 Copenhagen Fashion Week
Image from CFW website @tonyamatyu

The Event & Presentation schedule will include events, presentations, showrooms, installations, dinners and exhibitions.

Meanwhile, Copenhagen-based womenswear brand Saks Potts has won the 2023 Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize, winning a grand prize of 300,000 DKK. Through the CPHFW NEWTALENT scheme, Saks Potts (established by Barbara Potts and Cathrine Saks) will receive valuable benefits through a partnership between the Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize and Copenhagen Fashion Week, including extensive communication support and participation in official activities and opportunities during Copenhagen Fashion Week.

The three finalists — Forza Collective, Heliot Emil and Saks Potts — presented their collections and business concepts to an international jury of industry experts holding a diverse range of experience and perspectives across the board. Each of the finalists were praised for their design talent, sustainable vision, innovation, creativity and business entrepreneurship – all of which were included as criteria in the jury’s decision for this year’s winner.

The Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize expanded this year's focus to include established brands and experienced designers who have demonstrated their entrepreneurial and innovative skills, a decision that reflects the core values of the founders of the Wessel & Vett Foundation - Theodor Wessel and Emil Vett and their commitment to supporting sustainable brands and a responsible fashion industry.

Cecilie Thorsmark, CEO, Copenhagen Fashion Week said, "All the designers that presented as part of the Wessel & Vett Fashion Prize have been almost incomparable, all presenting incredibly strong potential and resonance within their respective brands, but the winner selected today was truly representative of Danish fashion.

"Saks Potts has continued to flourish with their signature aesthetic and global community, reflecting their values across the pillars of entrepreneurship, fashion innovation and creativity. This is a big achievement that should be celebrated and recognised but it comes with an obligation to push themselves in sustainability so they can continue to inspire and set new industry standards."

Separately, the ALPHA Award has announced its ten finalists, and the winners will be unveiled during the AW24 edition of Copenhagen Fashion Week.  

Idaliina Friman, 2021
Image ALPHA Awards

The finalists were selected from a wider pool of applications from Nordic graduates, selected by a panel of international industry experts.  The finalists, representing Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. were Alex Luonto, Andreas Bloch, Anni Salonen, Idaliina Friman, Ingrid Pettersson, Kelly Konings, Liana Paberza, Ruusa Vuori, Thelma Rut Gunnarsdóttir and Tilde Herold. The finalists will show their collections at the joint ALPHA show at Copenhagen Fashion Week in January 2024.

ALPHA Director, Ane Lynge-Jorlén says, "The 2024 edition brings together an exciting group of Nordic talent that balances minimalist tailoring with sculptural shapes, textile experiments and knitwear with digital technology alongside a great awareness of our time. Their command of heritage craft is remarkable, whether it's knitwear, crochet or textile design, and so are their pattern making skills and use of discarded materials. They approach garment making through meticulous processes of testing, where thoughts on how garments feel and move with and around the body are central. We can't wait to present their diverse and exceptional collections at the show in Copenhagen." 

"We're happy to welcome Iceland into the fold as a new addition for 2024, and not only widening our Nordic reach but also showing more variation of emerging fashion designers from the region."