One week on from Remake Remodel which took place on August 2nd - London was burning, I was already back in Thailand. Time is such a strange thing such that within a week, so much can change . . .it has been within doubt one of the most tumultuous months I can remember. I remember getting ready to leave for London to Remake Remodel (more on the this later) and that same weekend, starting it, was the passing of Lucian Frued, then the monstrosity in Oslo and later that night the tragic death of Amy Winehouse. An eventful weekend indeed. Later in the week, I found myself back at "home" or whatever one might call a city wher I have spent half my life, this time, not back to live but for a Show, one which Lynn and I had the pleasure of being involved with in the capacity of communications and pr, Remake Remodel.
Remake Remodel was a showcase of 3 ready to wear and 1 accesoreis collection by 4 Thai young designers living in London using silks and woven textiles from the Silapacheep Foundation which took place at the Serpentine Summer Pavilion designed by Peter Zumthor.
walk through
Lynn
So new generation kids working with old school Thai textiles that in many cases have been lost as their creator/weaver have long passed. The point of the SUPPORT Foudnation's activities is to create supplementary income for village weavers and silk clusters, thus there are stock piles of such textiles ready to be used for future generations, should they organise themselves to do so. After working with these amazing designers, I realised that my PhD research is not at all redundent and it will be worth finishing it off as it is not just about supplmentary income but in fact the creation of value from cottage industries and the organisation of such clusters which can then become part of a real production chain equipped with quality control and standards. This is not to say that it will lose its soul or "aura" as there will be system created but that some organisation and long term vision that organises and manages rights inherent int he work should be key in preserving and evolving traditional know-how into the future. Theory aside as I am not sure how far the Foundation has economics or IP concerns as driving elements, the show was wonderful.
backstage
Fresh and completely different from anything anyone would have seen lately. Much of the credit must go to Peter Zumthor for his serene and singular pavilion, one which let's natural light, the flowers that of course take a life of their own and the materials he chose do the talking. The pavilion seemed to get along with Remake Remodel as the dialogue between the space and clothes was seamless. A few delicate English wild flowers, a few lights and an abundance of silk, what more can one ask for . . .oh and of course the motley crew of VIP Thai officials and big fashion names and our friends. This is where Lynn and I really have our friends to thank, they all showed up. Then there were the new garde of Pun Sarasas' designer friends from CSM, this is the new crop.
A lot of times, pictures speak lounder than words . . . and from Sorada's collection to Boat's to Pun's, one could never ever mistake them for each other, their characters unique and the worlds they exist in tottally their own. These are my outakes . . .I positioned my self next to the DJ Gun so at the end of the run way, the narrow side of the pavilion wher ethe view was not so shabby.
Sorada
Boat
Pun
There was something rather democratic about the Pavilion, the seats next to the walls and the little seats in front, everyone was arm's length from the models. Rudi's shoes from the dominatrix booties on Sorada's beautiful nymphs, to Boat's gladiators to Pun's rock and roll Venice beach boys in transparent clogs . . . there was humour and elegance.
It lasted 18 minutes. Who would have thought that silk from rural families and weaving clusters would make it to the Serpentine and thrive. Then again, we should not expect any less!
me, Paula Goldstein and Caroline Lever
Caroline Issa and I with Fab in the background
me and Lisa
And after that . . . well, that was just the beginning. Or so we hope so. See you next year Serpentine Pavilion.
The rest of our time was a whirlwind, I'm happy to have caught up with my old peeps and reminded of how it feels like to come back somewhere that is so close yet a completely different world. Let's not forget how fun it was to get to make new friends, well done to the team at Remake Remodel and thank you for including us. Remake Remodel 2012 . . see you then. xx
No comments:
Post a Comment