Invited to the opening of Los Angeles Fashion Week’s new format, which was also tested last year, artist and director Tara Subkoff chose to present her brand, Imitation of Christ, in a dance parade at Hollywood’s Hole Gallery. Rick Owens’ store.
The presentation of Imitation of Christ, which occupied the exhibition halls where Eric Yahnker’s witty and lively drawings were exhibited, began with several opera arias performed by the first silhouettes. In the four corners of the field, Tara Subkoff brought together representatives of different religions and spiritual movements, as well as a rabbi, a Sufi poet of the Muslim faith, a Christian priest, a Tibetan Buddhist monk and a Hindu Swami facing off against Native Americans. There were musicians and a shaman, and they were all called to recite songs or poems.
The presence of Rabbi Heather Miller and Muslim poet Najeeba Sweed, which was planned before the events in Israel and Palestine, added a special feeling to the presentation. A true symbol of peace staged at a dramatic moment in the world.
Muslim poet Najeeba Sweed commented, “The aim was to show that diversity in religions, as well as in spiritual tendencies, is a true gift.” We have this guiding principle called peace. The only way to connect people. In a world where diversity is strong, like fashion, it is a beautiful symbol to be able to spread this message. And Los Angeles is the perfect city to deliver this message. I’m also a friend of Rabbi Heather Miller, who is here tonight. We will build this peace only by standing in solidarity and taking care of each other. »
And Rabbi Heather Miller added. “We are all here to represent love and peace and also to care for the environment. The idea of spreading such messages in such an artistic format is amazing. We can show the world that religions can coexist. And the upcycled fashion vector is perfect for spreading this message. This is something we all do in our traditions, like the tallit I’ve worn since I was a child and the one I wore tonight when I got married. »
The 2024 Spring-Summer Imitation Jesus collection, presented through moving dancers, was accompanied by a live artistic performance where designers and artists created new pieces at the same time. In front of them, Tara Subkoff’s dancers paraded in flowing, lightweight dresses of tulle and muslin, some displaying a dove of peace motif, then were joined by children in tutus.
At the end of the show, the designer suggested that guests join the general dance and take with them a piece of fast fashion thrown on the floor. “Please be inspired by this, make something from these rejected pieces and turn them into works of art with your own hands,” added Tara Subkoff. Join us in our quest to consume smarter by creating. »
Started in 2000 by two art students, Matthew Damhave and Tara Subkoff, and quickly joined by Chloë Sevigny as artistic director, Imitation of Christ first emerged as an artistic concept and a collective fashion label, before evolving into a completely upcycled and hand-sewn fashion brand. transformed. parts. The brand, which was first introduced in Los Angeles, specifically in a subway station, has been participating in New York or Paris Fashion Week for a long time, each time delivering messages of fast fashion and resistance to climate change. The brand also leverages Metaverse and participated in Metaverse Fashion Week in 2022.
Following the Imitation of Christ presentation, LA Fashion Week continued at NYA Studios in Hollywood for the official launch of the LAFW Community (Los Angeles Fashion Week Community). A foundation supported by philanthropist Paula Schneider, former CEO of American Apparel and currently president of Susan G. Komen, specifically supporting the fight against breast cancer. LAFW Community and Susan G. Komen will hold their first gala together next year. At the same time, the LAFW Community announced a partnership with Otis College of Art and Design, the reference school in the United States for the education of future designers and artists.
“Our philosophy is very simple,” concluded Keith Abell, president of N4XT Experiences, the entity responsible for organizing LAFW. Today the whole world is watching Los Angeles, and Los Angeles deserves to have one of the biggest fashion events on the planet. It’s now or never! “.
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