Bertille Bak’s first solo exhibition in the UK is a collection of seemingly non-fiction short films, maps, tapestry and installations. From Polish frog racing, to French village doors and rafts in bottles, these curios are props in her filmed narratives about community and identity. This exciting showcase of her work since 2007 is on at Nettie Horn’s newly opened space in London’s W1.
Bertille Bak, 'Faire le mur'. Image courtesy of Nettie Horn.
Paris might be the capital of fashion but besides the Musee des Arts Décoratifs there is no place dedicated to this craft. Things seem to be slowly chanching as the Cité de la mode et du design, located in the new Jakob and McFarlane building along the Seine is now finally open… and proudly hosting a couple of exhibitions as part of the Musée Galliera programme.
When I walked in the building, I thought I was in for one big show confronting the visions of two of the greatest designers, Cristobal Balenciaga and Rei Kawakubo… it wasn’t the case. But even though they’re designs are in two different rooms, a dialogue is clearly taking place between the two genius.
Balenciaga @ Docks (image courtesy of Cité de la Mode)
Balenciaga might be all over the fashion news thanks to the tech-inspired collection of Nicolas Ghesquière but few people know the work of its original designer. Born in Spain, Cristobal first opened his San Sebastian fashion in 1918, before moving to Paris because of the Spanish Civil War in 1937. He was praised for his modern designs, liberating women from the very strict shapes inherited from the late 19th Century. This exhibition focuses however on Balenciaga as a collector, a whole life dedicated to assembling a unique selection of clothing from all over the world. These amazing archives are interesting on different levels and a vivid testament of the clothing industry at the turn of the century but also a way into the mind of a great designer, showing us his inspirations and influences. Read More »