First up is one of our most sought after artists and somebody who is very familiar with the workings of the fashion industry, the extraordinary talent Magnus Gjoen. In the past, Magnus has worked as a denim designer at Lee Jeans and as a graphic designer for British fashion legend Vivienne Westwood. These groundings in fashion alongside an incredible aptitude for computer-aided design are key components in his artistic practice. Often juxtaposing destructive and fragile imagery, Magnus wants to address misconceptions of beauty and power, giving objects a newfound meaning.
Carne Griffiths is another artist who has had a history interwoven with the fashion industry. Griffiths worked as a gold wire embroidery designer for twelve years, producing intricate designs for a number of fashion labels including Tom Ford, Burberry and Ralph Lauren as well as many of London’s Saville Row tailors. He even designed the ceremonial outfit for the King of Tonga’s coronation! Griffiths combines intricate detail with loose gestural marks in his paintings and is known for using combinations of brandy, vodka, tea and ink with stunning effect.
Next is Pam Glew who has used the portrait of supermodel and fashion icon, Cara Delevingne, as the focal point in her latest giclee print ‘Calm Before the Storm’. Pam Glew uses a very unique artistic process, which involves dyeing vintage fabric a dark shade then painting using household bleach to reveal her portraits. She has also worked in collaboration with many fashion houses including Armani and Ralph Lauren. Delevingne is generally seen as this generation’s ‘It’ girl and is equally likely to be spotted walking the runways at designer shows or taking up a front row seat alongside her celebrity friends.
One model who has consistently acted as muse for a number of artists is the irrepressible Kate Moss, with her image being reproduced by everyone from Banksy to Tracey Emin. Moss is one of Britain’s most successful models and is also known for her well-documented history of hedonism.
The Godfather of Pop-Art Peter Blake chose Kate Moss as one of his subjects for his stunning ‘Stars’ portfolio. Moss was included alongside immortal icons such as Brigit Bardot, Elvis Presley, The Beatles and Marilyn Monroe. The artist also included her when he revamped his famous ‘Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ album cover, when marking his 80th birthday in 2012.
Peter Blake has also had his own foray into the realm of fashion. In 2011 the artist teamed up with the legendary British brand Fred Perry to produce a line of Pop inspired polo shirts. Blake has also designed and released his own limited edition shoe entitled ‘The First Real Pop Shoe’. The collectable black and white trainers are made from recycled chequebook wallet leather and feature the artist’s trademark heart, target, rainbow and star motifs embroidered on each side. What could possibly be cooler than rocking a pair of limited edition Peter Blake’s on each foot?
