Design Highlights; ArtEZ finals 2012 part 2

Since a few years the number of graduation projects that focuses on fashion accessories has grown at the ArtEZ finals. I’m not sure what has stimulated this shift, but it is an interesting development. With Fashion Design graduates always having to pare on accessories and shoes in their final collection. It’s only a matter of time that those two disciplines will crossover and be combined into a sublime complementary graduation project. In the mean time feast your eyes on the accessories of Frank Verkade’s  Zoomorf collection and Steven Visser’s graduation project ‘A Gentleman’s Thing’.

Merging man and animal
I can’t wait to see in what (fashion) magazine even music video Frank Verkade’s collection Zoomorf will turn up, since it’s so very photogenic. His interpretation of the signet ring gave me goose bumps. An appropriate reaction to his work as I found about, because the human body is Verkade’s canvas on which he designs, builds and shapes his accessories. Inspired by the animal body and body language Zoomorf is a reinterpretation of a series of traditional accessories such as the signet ring, the backpack, suspenders and the collar, that merges human and animal aspects together. Take for instance the collar that is based on the hard, folded parts of a rhino skin. When wearing it, it alters the shape, the silhouette of the one wearing it. Another favorite of mine is the signet ring disguised as a tassel that pops open revealing the colors of a bird’s feathers. The collection is a reaction to nowadays use of animal parts. Skin, fur and bone are not only worn ON the body, but with animal donor organs and injectables  they have found their way INTO the human body as well. And this alters the shapes of the human body. I say a collection that is right up Lady Gaga’s Born-This-Way alley.

Dandy 2.0
Since we’re namedropping Steven Visser’s collection ‘A Gentlemen’s Thing’ would suit the likes of actor Ryan Gosling, who’s a reflection of today’s fashionable young men. Men that echo the style, defined by functional but stylish and beautiful crafted accessories, of gentlemen who once were. For these dandies 2.0 Visser has designed a series of iconic accessories reflecting his down to earth, but sturdy design signature and men’s will to build and achieve. The pipe, pocket watch, glasses and suspenders all show the construction that at the same time is the flair of the product.

One more blog post to go in what has turned into a small series of posts on the Design Hightlights of the ArtEZ finals 2012. That one will feature, amongst two others, the work of a true storyteller. Want to see what you missed out on with part 1? Go check it out here!

Lisa Telussa

(Studio photograpy Zoomorf by Juuke Schoorl)

Constructive Ornaments

Constructive Ornaments is the graduation collection by Judith van den Berg. These beautiful shoes are now displayed at Fashion & Design Store Arnhem Coming Soon. There is beauty in construction and why not show it? Van den Berg is keen on making this visible by literally showing details of the  inside on the outside. Such a detail on its own can create and has created more designs. The five pieces of the collection show a pleasant contradiction between volume and elegancy. That the shoes are all handmade is a huge added value. I’m curious how this designer and her work will develop, definitely one to follow. Click here to visit her website.

Material: black leather, wax cord.
Photography: Robert Stienezen

Lisa Telussa