September 13, 2012

Boudicca's designers talk at Beit Ha'ir



Boudicca: Artists?

A day after the exhibit opening, Brian Kirkby and Zowie Broach returned to Beit Ha'ir to talk all things BOUDICCA.

What struck me the most [enough to be at the beginning of the post] was that when asked whether they consider their work as "art" they protested profusely. I wonder, what makes a mere person an artist? Can you proclaim yourself as one? Are you an artist if others say you are? And more importantly, are Zowie and Brian artists after all? Read what they had to say, and decide: 


Call a rose any other name…

Boudicca was the queen on the British tribe, who leaded a revolt against the ruling Roman Empire in AD 60. She was considered divine and portrayed as a goddess. When considering her as the brand's symbol, Brian related to the mythical aspect of the story and to its local history. Zowie saw the modern woman in Boudicca – the independent leader. As their designs explore the duality of masculine and feminine, Boudicca was chosen to reign on yet another kingdom.


Sell! Buy! Sell!

Z&B [ladies first] address the commerce in the fashion industry with refreshing honesty. They admit that there are limitations, technical and commercial, that contrast with art making. In order to sell designs, Z&B say, a designer has to be aware of the confines and keep them in mind. Things like fabric qualities, intended usage, and selling potential, all dictate the finished product. When creating a couture show, though, Z&B reveal that there is a greater artistic freedom in the process. Since the actual garments are not meant to be worn, they can be created of various materials, and thus, be loyal to the concept. 

Zowie Broach & Brian Kirkby at Beit Ha'Ir. Photo by Juliette Gold

One plus one equals...?


When two designers work on a single brand, they are bound to be challenges. Zowie tells us that they are different people, and they have separate sketchbooks and diverse ideas. They separate the work, and then mix it back together, discuss, and look where their suggestions collide. Or, as Brian puts it, they challenge and push each other.


If they say, you are no good…

Z&B both agree that one cannot escape criticism in the creative world. Zowie advices to look for the building feedback, try to learn from what others have to say, even in a mere conversation. 

Zowie Broach & Brian Kirkby at Beit Ha'Ir. Photo by Juliette Gold


What the future holds …

The future is unclear for Z&B. Zowie says she feels unsure, not in a nervous way though, about the future. She is open to see what will happen. Z&B will continue to put work out, and they will see where they want to go. 

Zowie Broach & Brian Kirkby at Beit Ha'Ir. Photo by Juliette Gold


And finally, a word of advice for the young generation:

Zowie Broach & Brian Kirkby at Beit Ha'Ir. Photo by Juliette Gold





Is fashion art? Do you think Z&B are artists?


4 comments:

  1. DressCode:HighFashionSeptember 18, 2012 at 8:21 PM

    Hey dear,

    what a witty & cool post. I love how you know that (most) people are too lazy to read all of the text and made the topic accessible by writing the quotes into the pictures.

    Well, sure, I DO, of course, consider fashion art - IF the designer has some creative space left and it`s not all about sales & pleasing the taste of the masses. I also find that designers who work for the "legendary" fashion houses like Chanel or Dior, have no -real- creative freedom left because they have to operate within the house`s history, which is as much a curse, as it is a blessing.

    Best, Jen

    PS: I use an Olympus E-P1 digital camera.

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  2. Jen,


    Thanks so much for your comment. I appreciate your feedback!
    Hahaha I think that is true about everyone! When there's not enough time or energy to read, don't we all just look at the pictures? [:


    I think you make a very interesting point about the big fashion houses. When you work under a pre-established brand, you have to fit your creations to it's image. Perhaps that is why some of the designers leave to create their own labels. Tom Ford for instance.

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  3. Fashion is art you can wear and live in! I think this is a fabulous post, so glad I had the chance to read it! I enjoy your blog a lot and just followed you on Bloglovin! I hope you'll check out mine as well and follow back if you like it! I'm looking for more fabulous posts to come:)


    --The Urban Lioness
    http://www.theurbanlioness.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi!
    I'm glad you enjoyed the post. I hope you'd like the upcoming ones as well [: I'd love to hear your feedback again!

    ReplyDelete

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