Vivienne Westwood and Ethical Fashion Africa

Whilst researching a variety of sources for my think tank 'Liberty for Africa' project I came across this great film about Vivienne Westwood collaboration with Yoox.com and Ethical Fashion Africa (2011). They are creating employment for those living in poverty. Westwood states how providing employment for 7'000 women in Africa is not only providing income but even changing lives. Ethical Fashion Africa is creating a selection of bags using traditional techniques, recycled materials and doing so within fair working conditions.
Westwood said. "This project gives people control over their lives - charity doesn't give control, it does the opposite, it makes them dependent." (vogue.co.uk)
Take a peak at the film. 

Photographer Juergen Teller joined Westwood on her trip. Here are some of the woderful images he captured.

 

Images sourced vogue.co.uk | mydaily.co.uk 

The Liberty of London Archives

I found this amazing piece on the Liberty of London Blog, their head archivist gives an insight into the Liberty classic designs which have been in production since the 1900's.  


 
Image Source: liberty.co.uk

'Housing around 115 Liberty Classic designs, the archive is a celebration of the history and culture of Liberty itself. As prints are added to this inspirational Classics collection each season, the wealth of tradition grows, and with it an expanded expression of our heritage.' (liberty.co.uk)

African Culture

Whilst researching for my Think Tank/Journal project I came across a wonderful book ' African Wisdom 365 Days' by Danielle and Olivier Follmi. I found so many amazing, inspirational photographs that showed the wonderful Africa landscape. I particularly love this image above of the African women in tribal clothing, such vibrant colours and prints, it gives one a real insight into how the African culture differs from anywhere else in the world.

Architecture

Architecture | Leeds City

 Architecture has always been inspirational. The stone work, colours, shapes and textures can inspire both art and fashion in a variety of ways. The curves of the red stone work in image three are truly great and image two shows how shape and materials can create different structures.

The Leeds Art Gallery

Art, Colour, Print and Texture at The Leeds Art Gallery. I found a diverse amount of inspiration whilst visiting The Leeds Art Gallery. Some beautiful artwork created using oil paint on perspex by Frank Avray Wilson and an unusual abstract piece by Fiona Rae filled with shapes, figures and bright colours. A trip around the art gallery library found lots of amazing tiled floors and walls.

Springtime Influences

Its finally Springtime....yay! The blossoms are finally starting to show, inspiring my everyday life.

The Impressions Gallery. Bradford

Last week I visited the Impressions Gallery in Bradford City Park. They currently had a touring exhibition by photographer Paul Reas named 'Day dreaming about the good times?' 

"Paul Reas, one of the most significant photographers to emerge from the new wave of British colour documentary of the mid 1980s. The show spans thirty years from Thatcherite Britain to today’s recession and encompassing themes of class, consumption, work and leisure." 

"This exhibition allows a greater understanding of Reas’ work; ranging from candid black and white

street photography of Bradford in the early 1970s through to his most recent commission undertaken

in 2012". (2013. www.impressions-gallery.com)

 These images really gave one an insight into life in the 1970's and 80's. Life was different, simple, we were comfortable with what some may call the simple life. The black and white images portray the times well and show great detail, feelings and emotions can be clearly seen without the noise of colour. A greater understanding of what the image is trying to say can be gained.

Paul Reas 'Day Dreaming about the Good Times?'