Telfar Clemens takes his label in a new direction for the spring season. Less concerned with function and more so focused on sustainability and versatility, Clemens offers a size-less collection entitled “Life Size”. Using only organic and recycled materials, the collection embraces unisex possibilities with garments that can be taken in for a small or expanded to an extra large with the pull of a drawstring. Hand dyed in earth tones, Clemens’ humble collection takes the idea of rags and transforms it into a laid-back range that is fashion-forward. Loosely fitted sarongs, shorts and wraparound pants are met with equally chic tanks, tops and open jackets. With his latest range, Clemens does more than create a collection, he fashions a simple easygoing lifestyle.
y’see, the trick is to create a brand that uses only sustainable and ethical materials/methods, but looks like any other fashion brand (or, even better, an innovative “avant garde” brand)–not something that screams “LOOK IT’S HIPPY ORGANIC SHIT COMING IN RAGS OFF MY VEGAN BOD!!” (i’m vegan so no comments about hypocrisy). i’m feeling a tinge of “african exoticism” (not a good thing) mixed in here too. sustainability is for everyone!! it’s the only way forward, so don’t alienate people by turning “sustainable” into its own aesthetic.
y’see, the trick is to create a brand that uses only sustainable and ethical materials/methods, but looks like any other fashion brand (or, even better, an innovative “avant garde” brand)–not something that screams “LOOK IT’S HIPPY ORGANIC SHIT COMING IN RAGS OFF MY VEGAN BOD!!” (i’m vegan so no comments about hypocrisy). i’m feeling a tinge of “african exoticism” (not a good thing) mixed in here too. sustainability is for everyone!! it’s the only way forward, so don’t alienate people by turning “sustainable” into its own aesthetic.
y’see, the trick is to create a brand that uses only sustainable and ethical materials/methods, but looks like any other fashion brand (or, even better, an innovative “avant garde” brand)–not something that screams “LOOK IT’S HIPPY ORGANIC SHIT COMING IN RAGS OFF MY VEGAN BOD!!” (i’m vegan so no comments about hypocrisy). i’m feeling a tinge of “african exoticism” (not a good thing) mixed in here too. sustainability is for everyone!! it’s the only way forward, so don’t alienate people by turning “sustainable” into its own aesthetic.
y’see, the trick is to create a brand that uses only sustainable and ethical materials/methods, but looks like any other fashion brand (or, even better, an innovative “avant garde” brand)–not something that screams “LOOK IT’S HIPPY ORGANIC SHIT COMING IN RAGS OFF MY VEGAN BOD!!” (i’m vegan so no comments about hypocrisy). i’m feeling a tinge of “african exoticism” (not a good thing) mixed in here too. sustainability is for everyone!! it’s the only way forward, so don’t alienate people by turning “sustainable” into its own aesthetic.
I think a lot gets lost in translation when you do not have the body of work to observe. In the scheme of things, this collection is a natural progression and makes a lot of sense. It’s Telfar, less gimmicky and broken down to simple pieces that work within Clemens’ current history or amongst the pieces of other designers. I definitely see how African exoticism does come into play for an initial gander. If it was a new designer, I might be taken back, but grasping Clemens work, not so much. It’s honest.
I think a lot gets lost in translation when you do not have the body of work to observe. In the scheme of things, this collection is a natural progression and makes a lot of sense. It’s Telfar, less gimmicky and broken down to simple pieces that work within Clemens’ current history or amongst the pieces of other designers. I definitely see how African exoticism does come into play for an initial gander. If it was a new designer, I might be taken back, but grasping Clemens work, not so much. It’s honest.
I think a lot gets lost in translation when you do not have the body of work to observe. In the scheme of things, this collection is a natural progression and makes a lot of sense. It’s Telfar, less gimmicky and broken down to simple pieces that work within Clemens’ current history or amongst the pieces of other designers. I definitely see how African exoticism does come into play for an initial gander. If it was a new designer, I might be taken back, but grasping Clemens work, not so much. It’s honest.
I think a lot gets lost in translation when you do not have the body of work to observe. In the scheme of things, this collection is a natural progression and makes a lot of sense. It’s Telfar, less gimmicky and broken down to simple pieces that work within Clemens’ current history or amongst the pieces of other designers. I definitely see how African exoticism does come into play for an initial gander. If it was a new designer, I might be taken back, but grasping Clemens work, not so much. It’s honest.
The designer is Liberian born/African, so your “african exoticism”
tinge is a bit missplaced. His looks fit in the current ‘nomad’ mood also appropriating strongly from a Southeast Asian aesthetic. Your ‘hippy organic shit’ comment comes from a shallow perspective.
The designer is Liberian born/African, so your “african exoticism”
tinge is a bit missplaced. His looks fit in the current ‘nomad’ mood also appropriating strongly from a Southeast Asian aesthetic. Your ‘hippy organic shit’ comment comes from a shallow perspective.
The designer is Liberian born/African, so your “african exoticism”
tinge is a bit missplaced. His looks fit in the current ‘nomad’ mood also appropriating strongly from a Southeast Asian aesthetic. Your ‘hippy organic shit’ comment comes from a shallow perspective.
The designer is Liberian born/African, so your “african exoticism”
tinge is a bit missplaced. His looks fit in the current ‘nomad’ mood also appropriating strongly from a Southeast Asian aesthetic. Your ‘hippy organic shit’ comment comes from a shallow perspective.
Blunt, but well put.
Blunt, but well put.
Blunt, but well put.
Blunt, but well put.
thanks, both, for enlightening me, i have to admit i’m embarrassed. but i still can’t be swayed from my opinion that the brand is cleverly using sustainability as social marketing rather than as a means. the “world of fashion” eludes me.
thanks, both, for enlightening me, i have to admit i’m embarrassed. but i still can’t be swayed from my opinion that the brand is cleverly using sustainability as social marketing rather than as a means. the “world of fashion” eludes me.
thanks, both, for enlightening me, i have to admit i’m embarrassed. but i still can’t be swayed from my opinion that the brand is cleverly using sustainability as social marketing rather than as a means. the “world of fashion” eludes me.
thanks, both, for enlightening me, i have to admit i’m embarrassed. but i still can’t be swayed from my opinion that the brand is cleverly using sustainability as social marketing rather than as a means. the “world of fashion” eludes me.