Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
OVER the years, big name fashion designers have been inspired by famous art works such as the Mona Lisa and classic films like Gone with the Wind, using imagery on handbags, shirts and skirts. However, now instead of copying creations, they are collaborating with a range of 3D sculptors, painters and other sketch artists turning modern art into wearable fashion.
Lest we forget, high fashion is synonymous with luxury and expenditure; however, if time, quality and talent have been put into each collection then the designs will be appreciated as an investment.
When the designer’s vision is exposed, a depth and understanding flourishes as money spent on such pieces do not seem so frivolous because you are purchasing a piece of art.
Mother of Pearl fashion founder Maia Norman has always had a strong connection with the art world and each season, she works with an acclaimed artist. Norman’s creative director, Amy Powney, ensures that the collection’s colour palette matches the selected artworks and that the silhouettes and detailing still stay true to the brand’s sports luxury aesthetic.
This season’s main artist is the London-based painter Chris Moon. The brand has also used Robi Walters’ famous collages for the 3D embellishment concepts.
For the spring/summer 2015 collection the creative director also looked to the 1960s singer Sandie Shaw, ‘the barefoot beauty’ and her embellished candy-coloured stage wear for inspiration leaving fashionistas singing her classic, There’s Always Something There to Remind Me.
‘Georgy Girl’ references are present with a sporty aesthetic which includes joggers, sweaters and flats that are combined with jewels, minis and sequined kitten heels to keep a modern relaxed feel.
Previous artistic collaborators include Polly Morgan, Francesco Simeti, Gary Hume, Fred Tomaselli, Fiona Banner, Keith Tyson, Jim Lambie, Matt Collishaw and Carsten Holler. As Italian film director and scriptwriter Federico Fellini once said: “All art is autobiographical. The pearl is the oyster’s autobiography.”
The Mother of Pearl collections can be found at Sak’s Fifth Avenue in City Centre Bahrain.
