Fyador Golan: The Next McQueen?

I was first introduced to the spectacular work of Fyador Golan at  London Fashion Week 2012; the design duo's conceptual yet visually stimulating designs proving to be one of my personal favourites from the season. As these designers reaching the tipping point of their career, they certainly offer a lot of promise for artistic greatness yet to come.

One particular quality which I feel that true conceptual artists display with their collections is the use of narrative- a real theme and story collectively showcasing a unique viewpoint each season. Each season acts as a new chapter-or in the case of McQueen (and I predict for Fyador Golan) - a new book entirely. 

From what we have seen so far, Fyador Golan has already offered us a true vision of a conceptual artist, proving that although fashion is a business, the perspective can still be visually stimulating and above all things, exceptionally inspiring. 

I feel that since the death of (in my opinion) our greatest conceptual artist/ designer of our time, we have a large fashion shaped hole still waiting to be filled. A designer offering equal levels of passion and talent, proving that they can create beauty and art in almost anything through the medium of design.

Perhaps this is who we are looking for, a designer glowing with passion and talent; so evocatively that success inevitably follows their every footstep. The V&A have showcased an immense spectrum of design talent over the past few years: from Craig Lawrence, Stephanie Rolland and Kenzo, each collection I have personally seen seems underlined with passion.

How do they do it? I personally feel that any creative- be it designer, stylist or in my case photographer; one must immerse themselves in culture, art and -secondly- in fashion. As stated on Fyador Golan's website 'behind the brand is a muse- gentle yet bold, sophisticated and explorer'. It seems that many successful designers (including McQueen) seem to abide by their ideals of an all important 'Muse'. One both determined yet ambiguous, constantly striving to be reborn season after season. 

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The Masters

When I was a student, I loved the psychological side to imagery... 'discourse and representation' as it was called; which may sound a little OTT and unnecessary (!) but in my opinion its plays a fundamental role in creating a stimulating and invigorating piece of work.  

I strongly believe that every image I personally create (even those which I feel haven't involved as much thought as others) are based on my subconscious experience and perspective of how I see the world. We dream what we dream for a reason; perhaps during the creative thought process we experience something quite similar.

During the last year of my studies I chose to focus on Renaissance Art. During this project I basically spent all of my spare time visiting art galleries, reading books, browsing the internet...you name it I was determined to make it stimulating both on the surface level and when digging a little deeper. 

There were a few techniques that particularly appealed to me; techniques that undoubtedly stuck in my mind, more than likely influencing my recent projects without too much conscious thought. I'm now approaching the subject of Renaissance/ Baroque art in an editorial soon to come which made me realise the positive impact that my graduate project had on me. One technique in particular continues to interest me; never failing to catch my eye when successfully implemented....

Chiaroscuro

Chiaroscuro is a technique first adapted in art. The term relates to the relationship between light and shadow, often evoking a strong sense of atmosphere and drama based on such visible contrast within the frame.

Baroque artist Caravaggio is known for his contributions to this technique, most famously breaking a hole in one side of the ceiling in his dark studio to encourage a natural stream of sunlight to catch one side of his subject.

My recent interpretations of Chiaroscuro are shown below, taken from my shoot 'The Opium Den' for Ben Trovato earlier this year.  This shoot was also inspired by Oscar Wilde's Dorian Grey; a book focusing on vanity and a more sinister side to beauty.

 

 

My suggestions to all you creatives out there? Delve into the abyss of history... so much beauty that we may not even comprehend originates in the work of the great masters. Although I hate to admit it, nothing is original in this world- but in my opinion, there is nothing quite like the beauty of history; especially the combination of fashion and history combined.

'All art is at once surface and symbol. Those who go beneath the surface do so at their own peril. Those who read the symbol do so at their own peril' - Dorian Grey