Staff Reporter
AN exhibition titled ‘Transforming Traditions’, featuring a fashion collection by Australian women designers Pam Easton and Lydia Pearson will open tomorrow at Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUQ).
“The Easton Pearson label has been described as clothes with a soul and style that challenges all boundaries and accepts no barriers,” a spokesperson said yesterday.
The designers, working together for the past two decades, describe themselves as kindred spirits. They share an inimitable infatuation for the faded refinement and eccentricity of vintage clothes.
“The exhibition is about fusing the past and the present through good design,” curator for the exhibition and assistant professor at VCUQ’s fashion design department, Precious Lovell, said.
The Easton Pearson show is of particular importance in Qatar, where the drive for modernity leaves space to protect the traditional customs of the past, including the clothes worn, she observed.
The designers choose their textiles from artisans in India, where all the embroidery, weaving, silk painting of applique is done in workshops or co-operatives in Mumbai and in the greater area around Great Rann of Kutch.
“Our references are drawn from varied terrains, such as Indian, African and European sources, from historical predecessors, vintage clothes, museums, archives and films, books and personal travels with our families,” Pearson said.
Easton describes their insights and inspirations as stemming from not only from Africa, but also from global tribes.
“There’s a little Indian influence and a lot of African influence in detailing colours, textures and silhouettes,” she said.
The designers are moving away from the ‘bohemia’ look since they are becoming more involved with the designs of Madeline Vionnet (French couturier during the 1920s and 30s).
The other influences include the fashion trends of the Ottoman Empire during the 15th and 16th century and even from graphic designs of the 1950s as well as from the 70s.
The exhibits are to include a pezza dress featuring a sash with the Ottoman triple spot motif and dresses and skirts made from the mashru fabric that originated from the Islamic tradition that disallowed men to wear silk. Easton Pearson have more than 70 international clients in 25 countries, ranging from Norway to Saudi Arabia, with Italy and the US as their biggest markets.
VCUQ’s senior students from the communication design programme have designed the exhibition. Assistant professor Pornprapha Phatanateacha, who teaches exhibition and environmental graphics, has guided them.
The catalogue was designed by VCUQ alumnae Dana Adhab. “The exhibition depicts a true collaboration between designers and VCUQ,” the spokesperson added.
‘Transforming Traditions’ will be on view through May 30. |
