‘Epitaph’ is a Spring/Summer menswear collection inspired by the Bauhaus and Black Mountain College, in particular artists Josef & Anni Albers and dancer Merce Cunningham. ‘Epitaph'(1968) is one of Anni Albers’ key artworks, and my collection is a nod towards her and Josef’s incredible life partnership.
Their explorations of colour have informed my own design choices, through experimenting with dyeing techniques and weaving. A key look (LOOK 1) features the ‘Josef Blazer’ and is based on a series of surreal photographs taken at Black Mountain College’s Valentine’s Day Ball in 1943. Albers famously wore the same ‘spotless white suit’ while he painted his Homage to the Square.
Now, more than ever, I have been thinking more deeply about the term sustainability. Acknowledging that it is a complex debate, I believe that by committing to using high quality materials to create long lasting treasurable items and being aware of where materials come from and the processes in which they are made, I will be a more responsible designer.
