Fashion vs Architecture: Meet the Architects – Future Systems

Designing between fashion & architecture doesn’t fall solely to Spatially-Minded Fashion Designers; there is an equally large field of Architects that are enjoying manipulating this ever blurring boundary.

Future Systems (now Amanda Levete Architects) was a strong contender for the fashion architect crown. Aside from the obvious fashion based concepts (Selfridges owes its appearance to Paco Rabanne), their work plays on a certain lightness & fluidity as the facades appear to be gently draped over a structural frame.

National Library of the Chech Republic, Prague Origninal Source: http://www.eikongraphia.com/?p=2287

Then of course there is Future Systems fantastic use of texture & pattern. Whether you like their work or not, one thing that you cannot deny is that nothing in the Future Systems portfolio is boring. Instantly recognisable, the Future Systems space is the Louis Vuitton monogram of the Architecture world. It’s bold & bright yet still somehow minimal with a hint of 60’s mod fashion about it what’s more, is this Future-Fantastic style is carried right through from the Façade to the interior.

Selfridges Birmingham - Sourced from http://www.amandalevetearchitects.com/

For me, it’s no coincidence that Future Systems most frequent works were for Fashion Houses (Namely Comme Des Garcons & Marni), Future Systems work shows a real understanding of fashion & the fashion designers mind. The work is fluid & reflective, hinting toward the fast & ever changing world of fashion as opposed to more solid world of Architecture. Furthermore, Future Systems took a step even closer to fashion by creating a brand, they have a style that’s undeniably their own. Every Future Systems building carries hints & aspects of its predecessors. You could easily take the entire portfolio & transform it into one fluid collection of work that would sit quite comfortably at London Fashion week, if only it would fit on the runway…

 Comme Des Garcons Store New York: Sourced from http://www.amandalevetearchitects.com/

 Selfridges Birmingham - Sourced from http://www.amandalevetearchitects.com/

 Oxford Street - Sourced from http://www.amandalevetearchitects.com/

New Look, London - Sourced from http://www.amandalevetearchitects.com/



Architects of Man – Fashion vs Architecture - Alexander McQueen

My interest in fashion & architecture started with my university dissertation, my curiosity lead me to really explore this curious yet fascinating relationship.

I’ve often felt that Fashion is rather unfairly disregarded by most as some form shallow or even vain design discipline. Objects made solely for the viewing pleasure of the wealthy. However, the more you explore this intricate & complex world, the more you realise that fashion is a vast exploration of humanity & the human form. These aren’t just the clothes on your back; they’re architecture at its most intimate level.

So for me the best place to start is my most favoured designer, Lee Alexander McQueen. Beginning life as a tailor, McQueen’s work is best recognised for its unrivalled craftsmanship. Every garment was constructed to what can only be described as absolute perfection, creating unthinkable volume & space by simply manipulating a 2-dimensional plane of fabric with his hands.

This for me is where the blur into architecture begins. It’s the simple process of taking the human form & building space around it. In places the form is complimented & comforted and in others, the form is manipulated & contorted to initiate some form of response within in the inhabitant.

The Genius of Alexander McQueen was that he was so much more than a designer of “pretty as a picture” clothing; he was a master architect of mankind, he understood every aspect of our bodies & our reality. He knew how to make us feel safe & empowered and then with a simple change in shape, colour & texture; he could make us feel completely exposed. If that wouldn’t make an outstanding Architect then I don’t know if anything would…

Here’s a selection of Alexander McQueen’s Work (Sourced from www.vogue.com/collections), should you find the time I’d recommend a look at “Savage Beauty”, it’s a wonderful book showcasing the very best of McQueen.

Happy World Architecture Day!

Happy World Architecture Day!

To Celebrate here are a few of my favourite things…

Casa Batllo – Image sourced from videosfrombarcelona.com/news/gaudis-word-of-art-casa-batllo-barcelona/

Casa Batllo was the 1st Building that I ever fell in love with at the age of 16, check out

http://www.casabatllo.es/en/ for some fantastic images of this Gothic Fantasy masterpiece.

  

Sagrada Familia – Image sourced from www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2011/apr/24/gaudi-sagrada-familia-rowan-moore

Again with Gaudi, what can I say he's one of my favourites...

Chrysler Building – Image sourced from britishexpats.com/blogs/gruffbrown/68/Chrysler+Building.html

I'm a huge Art Deco Fan so naturally the Chrysler Building needs to be included 

Architecture for the Feet – Alexander McQueen Armadillo Shoes, Image sourced from hansharling.blogspot.co.uk/2011/04/alexander-mcqueen-lobster-claw.html

Fashion & Architecture is my true passion in life, so you can expect a lot more of me exploring this relationship in future posts