ART School SS21 was presented in Waterloo Park’s Kitchen Garden: a diverse cast of models exhibited a collection of green, grey and black, accompanied by ropes, chains and ceramics, a collaboration with Richard Porter. Queerness, community and kinship were cited as this season’s inspiration, and exhibited in their casting choices, and the tonal and textural unity of the collection.
The pieces explored kink and the manipulation and presentation of the body: bold silhouettes in muted tones that projected power and and bravery.
Clothes were worn alongside heavy Dr Martens, and different coloured contact lenses, and were reminiscent of military and medical uniforms, business suits and kink-wear. These looks served as abstractions and reimagining of society’s roles and aesthetics. Blazers, military jackets, leather and swathes of canvas were made to form a new kind of uniform of sculptural silhouettes.
The cast seemed to be the product of wars or struggle, but simultaneously heralded a rebellious and exciting alternative mode of living.
By Connie de Pelet