Caroline Gardener
The Royal College of Art (RCA) Work in Progress exhibition is a free annual exhibition which shines a tantalising light on forthcoming emerging talent. In the second of ART THREAD’s reports on the exhibition we look at the menswear on show. Ranging from the unconventional and imaginative to the beautifully restrained, it is definitely worth a visit. Catch it while you can – the exhibition runs only until Friday 22nd January.
The soft, twisted multi-coloured alpaca knits by Caroline Gardener definitely caught our eye. Accompanied by her fun, whimsical book, ‘The Alpaca’s Travels’, we love the mix of humour, unconventional shapes and colour in her work.
Astrid Andersen
Astrid Andersen’s voluminously padded sporty jacket showed great attention to detail. Lightweight synthetics and quilted plush were mixed with seriously chunky brass zips and lurex stripes on knitted trims, made a bold statement.
Hanna Ter-Meulen
Hanna Ter-Meulen reveals her imaginative approach to menswear. Cutting tucking and smocking she manipulates her fabrics to create decorative and desirable pieces.
A harder edge is on offer from Tominslav Mostecak, who shows a hand-painted leather jacket and double layered ‘camouflage’ jeans. The jacket taped to the wall with bright yellow gaffa tape added to the rebellious tone of his exhibit.
Tominslav Mostecak
Exciting and covetable menswear was on offer from Trine Jensen. We loved the beautiful understatement of her navy coat in a superfine wool twill, set against a great decorative sweater embellished with tiny brass rings. In addition, check out the beautifully wearable, restrained and precise tailored piece in black flannel, based on military uniforms on show from Courtney McWilliams.
Courtney McWilliams; Trine Jensen
Damion Le Cappelain’s shoes caught the eye – and raised a smile in many visitors. His chunky, uncompromising shapes for men featured emerging and exploding toe cap details – adding a fun, almost ‘cartoon’ element.
Finally, although still in his first year, we noted some inventive work by Yejon Park, who showed some sculptural menswear pieces with a futuristic, sci-fi feel.
Damion Le Cappelain; Yejon Park
RCA Work in Progress Exhibition is open every day until Friday 22nd January 2010 from 11.00 – 18.00.
Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2EU Nearest tube: High Street Kensington, South Kensington Buses: 9, 10, 52, 452
