London-based fashion duo Art Comes First and Australia’s The Social Studio are joining incredibly fresh forces for an exclusive curated collaboration during Melbourne Spring Fashion Week.
Art Comes First founders Sam Lambert and Shaka Maidoh are nurturers of the history of sartorial skill, who at the same time embrace and steer the contemporary image. They keep creativity crisp via collaborations with world-renowned artists and designers you may have heard – Kanye West, PONY, Fred Perry and Mos Def, while also emphasising the importance and beauty of grass-roots community.
All of ACF’s fellow creative collaborators share the same admiration of the progression of craftsmanship. Melbourne’s The Social Studio is the most recent example of this, with the two bodies combining their vital values of sustainability, up-cycling and reusable fashion to manifest a one-off collection. It is a very special and important example of how small global communities can pump life and innovation into ethical fashion without borders.
The Social Studio has provided education and employment opportunities for talented young people who have experienced life as a refugee since opening in 2009. They make bold, high quality ethical garments and production skills are learnt at their fashion school which operates in partnership with RMIT University. They also treasure collaborations, teaming up with local artists and designers such as Ken Done, Linda Jackson, Alpha60 and Kuwaii to extend their inspiring tapestry of creativity.
Don’t miss the TSS X ACF Exhibition at No Vacancy Gallery, which runs from 25 – 29 August.
There will also be an exclusive VIP talk by Art Comes First on August 29 and a Live Curated Exhibition Show on August 30, with a performance by Coco Noire.
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Text Erin McConchie