Wordless Statements

[The Baron]

This isn't so much a trend, as a trend I would like to see. It's a follow-up to something I posted in the "What fashion problems need solving?" thread:

'How can fashion contribute to political, ideological, and cultural dialogues without resorting to printing text on things? Instead of putting the message *on* the medium, how can the medium become the message?'

So, post your examples of fashion that makes a statement without resorting to verbal messages. You can explain what you think it means, or let it speak for itself.

I'm really looking forward to seeing what I am sure will be amazing input from all of you savvy fashionistas.

Here are a few examples:

Pill Bracelet by Raf Simons (from sevennewyork.com)
**edit : see post no 12**

Inflatable men's jacket by Walter van Beirendonck (from showstudio.com)

This one is product design, not fashion, but it's an excellent example...
"Hug" Salt & Pepper shakers by Alberto Mantilla (from momastore.org)

Sweater and breast prosthesis by Vivienne Westwood Man (from www.lkgtent.nl)

 

[Elli]

I don't have examples to contribute with. But I really liked those, esp. the salt and pepper shakers and the bracelet.

Great thread!

 

[Kimkhuu]

Karma for you the Baron! Terrific thread!

I've always prefered wordless clothes, and now you introduced me to a new dimension: clothes that contain an unwritten msg. The pills bracelet is very nice....... Its a subtle msg about our society..... I much prefer seeing that than some funny printed tee..... the problem with those is once you wear it, you cannot be funny twice with it........

I would definitely be interested in seeing more pics of such items.

 

[Lena]

great little pill bracelet

now we need to find more 'wordless statements'

 

[fashionista-ta]

Not sure I have anything really to contribute ... just wanted to mention some antecedents of the S/P shakers ... Eva Zeisel designed these in the 40s or so for her Town & Country line for Red Wing I believe it was ... the whole line still looks incredibly great today (I have a couple pieces--bought in Austin in fact at Aqua, I think it's called).

hugging oil/vinegar cruets

just for interest, S/P shakers from same line

(from http://www.mindspring.com/~dway/shapes.html)

I've read an interview with Eva where she explains the impetus behind this line, but I've forgotten details ... believe she intended it to be "human" though

 

[Hanne]

There were lots of statements in the designs I saw at the danish design center :

http://www.thefashionspot.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31244

 

[rozzetta]

Art and fashion being more merged together, is almost creating a whole genre of it´s own I think. About time really. I´m kind of tired with like a stupid $800 t-shirt with "punk" written all over it with swarovski crystals. One of my favourites is always Ann-Sofie Back. I love this weddingdress from a/w 05, where the ring is still in it´s little black velvet box worn as a necklace. Picture from www.annsofieback.com

 

[Kimkhuu]

Oh the ring box necklace...... great idea.....

 

[Elegance.Is.Refusal.]

i love love love those s/p shakers

 

[urd]

i love love love those s/p shakers

they are so cute I wanna cry!

 

[Tuti*Fruiti]

Those s&p shakers are too cute.

i dont know if this image will show up too small but its basically a fitted vest made from animal skins made to look like it's the skin of the person wearing it

 

[The Baron]

The Raf Simons pill bracelet got mod-edited out...I didn't actually post it twice but it appeared that I did, so here it is again: (from sevennewyork.com)

 

[VintagePearls]

Wow. I dont know what to say for some of that (Such as the animal suit or whatever ) But those salt & pepper shakers are deffinatley adorable!

 

[The Baron]

Good eye for the antecedent to those shakers, fashionista-ta. I have actually been attempting to track down a set of those cruets to keep the shakers company on my table...if anyone spots a lead, let me know.

One thing that sets the shakers apart is that the concept has been tweaked to send a clear ideological message about race.

One could potentially argue the same message is present in the Zeisel cruets, but I don't think many people would read them in that way. To me, the cruets are more about the pleasures of simple culinary harmony, a physical reflection in space of the way oil and vinegar combine to form a pleasing whole.

Oh, and it's worth noting a detail you can't see in the picture of the shakers: viewed from above, they form the Yin/Yang shape.

 

[The Baron]

I really love that ring-box necklace.

In fact, it has me thinking...I might try to craft a ring of some kind out of this empty Tiffany & Co. ring pouch I have from serving in a wedding party. That could be a fun & provocative piece if I can make it work.

Here's a new one, also jewelry. To me, this one feels like a failed experiment...trying so hard to be "edgy" that it doesn't actually have anything to say. But maybe others will find it more meaningful than I do:

Sludge Covered Brooch, by Mended Veil (image from aloharag.com)

 

[fashionista-ta]

Good eye for the antecedent to those shakers, fashionista-ta. I have actually been attempting to track down a set of those cruets to keep the shakers company on my table...if anyone spots a lead, let me know.

One thing that sets the shakers apart is that the concept has been tweaked to send a clear ideological message about race.

One could potentially argue the same message is present in the Zeisel cruets, but I don't think many people would read them in that way. To me, the cruets are more about the pleasures of simple culinary harmony, a physical reflection in space of the way oil and vinegar combine to form a pleasing whole.

Oh, and it's worth noting a detail you can't see in the picture of the shakers: viewed from above, they form the Yin/Yang shape.

Yup, got the race message loud & clear ... something I think about (and a message I am sending) whenever I wear black and white in fact Pretty cool about the yin/yang.

Now as far as the cruets ... you probably already know that they're frequently in bad shape ... alot of times you see very significant crazing and oil staining on the oil cruet, and I assume you don't want that. eBay is great for collecting, but for a rare piece like this where condition is difficult, maybe you want to pay a dealer top dollar and get top drawer stuff. Ah, Mood Indigo (very reputable dealer, I've bought from them before) has a sand cruet now:

http://www.moodindigonewyork.com/p3/zeisel/town_country_html/blue_sand_cruets.html

I don't know if these came in every color ... I really like the lettuce green and metallic colors in this line. That metallic glaze is so striking ... reminiscent (to me anyway) of Beatrice Wood ...

 

[Elegance.Is.Refusal.]

love that pill bracelet looks great

i saw a collection that was like the animal skin vests but it was silicone and was meant to represent aids and safer sex!

 

[jah]

im gonna get those s/p-shakers! just for the shelf in my kitchen. *eye-candy style*

 

[The Baron]

Final Home signature jacket, by Kosuke Tsumura for Final Home (image from metropolis.japantoday.com

Here's how momastore.org describes it:

Made of nylon, this clever coat is designed to serve as a nomadic "home" in the event of a disaster. The ample pockets may be filled with newspapers for warmth, or used for storing personal belongings, food, maps, and other survival gear.

 

[PrinceOfCats]

love that pill bracelet looks great

Agreed. Although I reckon varnishing multi-vitamins has to be cheaper than popping to Raf Simons.