Research Background The research area in which this work is situated is fashion and performance addressing 'an evolving and hybrid area of practice that unpicks the multiple messages in worn and performed clothing and fashion' (Bugg 2015). The area of research of 'critical fashion' is underpinned by practitioners exploring 'the social and political impact of clothing' (Teunissen 2014) by means of the 'the construction and exploration of garments as performative and political devices' (Cuba 2014). Research Contribution The research for this project explored the staging and construction of 'fashion as a performative space' (Gardner 2015) and the question 'What is the role of the fashion designer?' (Arts 2014). The use of live performance, with live video feed in addition to the dressing and styling of model in addition questioned the fashion image, garment and the politics of the 'fashion show'. D&K study the commercial mechanisms of fashion brands by the use of performances, installations, films and exhibitions (Arts 2014) Research Significance Center for Style is an acclaimed fashion exhibition space that 'critiques high-end branding tactics in the businesses of art and fashion' (Gardner 2015). In collaboration with Bus Projects, D&K were invited to perform in the closing event of the exhibition 'Runway Schedule'. The performance and video was curated in multiple performances and exhibitions; MCA Artbar performance curated by Chicks on Speed 2014 Museum of Modern Art Sydney, Fashion & Performance: Materiality, Meaning & Media exhibition at RMIT Design Hub 2015, and Centre for Style USA tour exhibition New York and LA 2015 and featured on E-flux. The performance was reviewed in the book The Future of Fashion is Now (2014) and formed the basis for the award and commission the duo received as part of 'a new generation of idealistic and socially engaged designers [are] viewing society and the fashion system with a critical eye' (Ex 2014).
History
Subtype
Original Design/Architectural Work
Outlet
Arcades
Place published
Melbourne, Australia
Start date
2013-12-16
End date
2013-12-20
Extent
Live durational performance and installation of two channel video, garments and fabrics