arts of fashion
Le Jarden Des Plantes
2014 Paris Summer Masterclass
Every year the international fashion organisation ‘Arts of Fashion Foundation’ bring together emerging fashion students, established designers and judges from around the world to share, mentor and celebrate creativity in fashion. Of course this destination was the most highly, beautiful, fashion precinct Paris... ooh là là.
Situated in a private wing of the Louvre these students worked intensively to design and create two silhouettes using Parisian Haute Couture techniques of pleating and embroidery by Atelier Lognon and Maison Lesage of Chanel.
The theme of the 2014 AOF masterclass was 'Le Jardin Des Plantes' meaning 'Luxurious Vegetation, Nature and Garden'.
Brendan's design: Opulent and exotic fungi nestled amongst layers of translucent and opaque foliage.
Brendan Smith was chosen to attend this masterclass as a Scholarship prize winner for his achievement for the Arts of Fashion student international competition 'Resilience' in 2014, which you can view here.
production
in brendan's words
"I will always remember this Arts of Fashion masterclass as one of the best opportunities I have ever had. It was was breathtaking to be in Paris, France of all places while working in the Louvre and to visit the Chanel and Lognon Ateliers – seeing original pleating blocks and haute couture pieces dating back to the Victorian days gives me goosebumps still. To have learnt Parisian techniques and be guided by amazing international designers, judges and the hosts of the AOF foundation was truly amazing.
It was fast paced, cut throat, a eye opener working alongside very head strong students/emerging designers.
I worked on my two silhouettes right up until the last minute of the crucial deadline – I loved every minute of it.
Thank you Arts of Fashion and Paris and all the people I got to share this experience with. Forever in my heart."
the opening night
Shortly before the grand opening exhibition, students were working frantically to meet the deadline and complete each silhouette. Unlucky for some, not everyone finished in time! Once the garments were judged, a photoshoot took place in a private setting in the Louvre, including both of Brendan's silhouettes shown below.
Moments after the photoshoot, the grand opening commenced which welcomed a high-end guest list. There Brendan was given his contact for the Paris internship.
Brendan's opulent coat was selected for an additional exclusive photoshoot in an art deco setting in the Louvre.
