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“Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is non- existent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery - celebrate it if you feel like it. In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: “It’s not where you take things from - it’s where you take them to."
[MovieMaker Magazine #53 - Winter, January 22, 2004 ]” ― Jim Jarmusch 

"Courage is grace under Pressure" Ernest Hemingway

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The framework of my latest collection is based upon iconography from Alchemy intertwined with futuristic themes. The collection explores a fundamental alchemical practice of liberating matter from its restricted properties into a further enhanced state. Through deconstructing existing garment shapes and re-mastering the form I have drawn a parallel to this alchemical practice.

Futuristic themes are explored through the manipulation of simple geometries into distinct forms, alluding to alchemical motifs through the arrangement of their structure. A series of individually crafted elements have created a distinct visual signature whilst retaining an artisanal sensibility. The arrangement created through this technique portrays motifs and symbols suggesting various principles of the art.

The collection maintains a innovative colour palette of copper, cream and black, focusing on the current state of metals and the gradual progression into a refined state.  

All elements of the collection are hand made, from rolling the coils and melting the coiled pieces to one another.

Preview of the new Jac + Jack collection

Currently at the Jac + Jack HQ viewing their summer collection, inspired by vintage couture gowns deconstructed to modern minimalist forms. The work of Charles James and the debutant portraits  of Cecil Beaton create a foundation for this collection. 

The labels signature natural fibres are incorporated through the range with yarns sourced in Italy and India. 

 

Frida Kahlo

The rediscovery of Classical Antiquity; Without the influence of classical antiquity, fashion would cease to exist in its current state

The influence of Classical antiquity has defined many forthcoming generations, with new artists, sculptors, writers and inventors trying to mimic if not surpass the achievements of the ancients. The following generations viewed their ancients as potent inspiration whilst aspiring to be like them, this ideal has been carried on to create world movements such as the renaissance and neo-classicism. Dress styles from classical antiquity has defined the fashion industry for years with designers incorporating reliefs from antiquity into their work such as pattern shapes, techniques and more direct influence such as mimicking sculptures. Exploring the influence of classical antiquity in contemporary fashion to determine whether fashion would cease to exist today in the nature the industry creates a strong viewpoint many designers are intrigued by. To understand why classical antiquity has such a strong influence until the present day is a factor that manoeuvres over the industry.

I am exploring motifs and symbolism from Classical Antiquity to create a foundation for my new project, generations after the Classical period viewed their ancients as potent inspiration whilst trying mimic their ideas if not able to surpass them. The Classical period has fascinated me from a very young age; the cultural influences in art and fashion have in particular influenced my work over the years allowing me to discover my personal artistic style.

Designers perpetually express favor towards antiquity not only for aesthetic purposes but also for functionality. Designers also allow the ideals of this time to define their brand as the values and intriguing stories and creations from antiquity can be viewed as a vital tool to enhance design and production. The groundwork the ancients left their following generations are looked upon and have been constantly renewed for centuries, contemporary designers use this foundation in combination with current technologies such as 3D printing, digital printing and innovative fabrications. The distinct elements from antiquity are successful in design hence the constant allusion to the era.

 

"Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything." Plato