On a recent jaunt to Paris I was beside myself to learn that (for once...) our trip would coincide with an event I'd been longing to see - the Hussein Chalayan exhibition at Les Arts Décoratifs.One of my favourite designers, Chalayan's innovation not only integrates but celebrates fashion, design and architecture as a symbiotic creative whole. The visual and conceptual complexities of his work defy what many believe fashion to be and were a strong reminder of what makes me truly passionate about design.
Being such a big fan of Chalayan's work for such a long time my expectations of the exhibition were very high.... they were met, and they were exceeded.
Much of Chalayan's work deals with the body in relation to time, movement and displacement and the labyrinth style navigation through the space echoes this thematically.
Hussein Chalayan's artistic direction of the exhibition on a whole is fiercely evident. You enter a universe created by an artist who's social, personal & creative statements are communicated through design as a multi-sensory experience.
Unfortunately unable to live in Hussein's created world at the Musée, I settled for being able to take the stunning hardcover book back to Melbourne with me. A great reference, the book is well designed and gives great insight into the artist's distinct process.
As with all things brilliant this exhibition was the collaborative work of a talented many. To be specially noted though are:Exhibition Curation Pamela Golbin with Bernadette Caille
Exhibition Design by Zoe Smith (ZS Architects),
Lighting by Michael Pounssamy
Graphic design by Studio Frith (see 'Aide a la Visite' below using Chalayan's wonderful illustrations)
If you're lucky enough to be in Paris between now and November 13th GO! See it, be inspired, be amazed by this amazing creative and his incredible body of work.
If not so lucky visit here.
Laura
NB: Initial two images from Hussein Collection located at 'Les Arts Décoratifs' website.
