The latest trend is the versatility of fabrics, which was prominently featured at the recent Première Vision Paris trade show held at the Villepinte exhibition center on July 4-6. Fabric versatility refers to the ability of fabrics to serve multiple purposes, to be made from different fibers, and to have a diverse appearance. This trend has emerged due to various reasons, including the need for multi-functional clothing that is both comfortable and stylish in the post-pandemic era.

One of the key features of this trend is the combination of sport performance and everyday wear, which was evident in some of the materials showcased in PV Paris's outdoor section. These fabrics had textures similar to leaves or pattern paper, were thin and ultra-lightweight, yet extremely durable, and had performance features typical of outdoor garments.

Another example of versatility was the use of fabrics made from a blend of plant and animal-based fibers. While this is not a new solution, it responds to current ecological imperatives, and such blends offer a variety of properties. For instance, wool's warmth and comfort can be combined with lightweight, durable fibers like linen, hemp, or cotton.

Furthermore, the fabric versatility showcased at PV Paris also had an aesthetic dimension. The show's Trend Forum in Hall 5 featured a black furry fabric layered with blue and greyish patterns of a completely different texture, as well as a performance fabric made by Taiana with a reverse side in silver, gold, and electric blue.Photo：us.fashionnetwork.com

 

Loewe opens call for entries for seventh edition of its Craft Prize

The call for entries for the 2024 edition of the Craft Prize by Loewe has been launched. This prize was established in 2016 to acknowledge and celebrate excellence, artistic merit, and innovative craftsmanship in the contemporary art world. The prize aims to support international artists, with the winner receiving €50,000, and two special mentions receiving €10,000 each.

The seventh edition of this prestigious competition, which is dedicated to contemporary art and craftsmanship, will be held in Paris in the spring of 2024. Interested candidates can submit their entries until October 23. The submissions will be carefully evaluated by a panel of esteemed experts, consisting of artists, essayists, curators, and designers, including Craft Prize 2023 finalists Keeryong Choi and Kaori Juzu.

The jury will select 30 finalists based on various criteria, including originality, precise execution, excellence of material, innovative value, and the artist's unique mark. The selected works will be showcased in an exhibition held in Paris in the spring of 2024.

Photo：us.fashionnetwork.com

 

A group show of ceramics: 'Funk You Too!'

The Museum of Arts and Design in New York is hosting a group exhibition of ceramics called 'Funk You Too!', which explores how the San Francisco funk movement of the 1960s has influenced contemporary artists. Despite being centered around funk, the exhibition recognizes that the history of clay is diverse, dating back thirty thousand years and preceding bronze work by tens of millennia.

While mid-century art is often placed on a pedestal, the surprise of 'Funk You Too!' is how younger artists have taken inspiration from their predecessors and created new and fresh works. Although funk may be a footnote in this exhibition, clay continues to be an organic material that comes from the earth and will outlast our current late capitalist moment and any future art movements.

The exhibition will be on display at The Museum of Arts and Design in New York until August 27.

Photo：www.frieze.com