Renaissance Creative Design Ltd
in association with
Brighton Fashion Week and Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
presents
'Couture Brighton'.
June 1st – July 3rd 2011
Art and fashion collide in a glittering display of luxurious opulence.
Using the city as a source of inspiration, some of Brighton’s best known and dynamic fashion designers have
worked in collaboration to produce nine new gowns that demonstrate the skill, opulence and art of the
Couturier. The gowns will be staged in the costume gallery at Brighton Museum against a beautiful mirrored
backdrop to create an installation of breathtaking beauty and exquisite detail.
The designers selected have all been chosen because of their strong individual style and the attention to detail
in their work. Working to a brief that has asked them to create a one off piece based on a Brighton landmark
or historical reference, the works produced will use a limited colour palette with a personal accent colour and
will clearly demonstrate the techniques, skills and house style associated with each designer.
The gowns featured will demonstrate the use of bias cutting, printing, bead work, ribbon work, sculptural
knit, corsetry, leatherwork and feathers to produce a spectacular and original exhibit using the finest
materials.
Masterclasses
The installation will be accompanied throughout June by a series of talks, lectures and demonstrations
including Pattern Cutting and Illustration Masterclasses by Kevin Freeman of Renaissance, styling
workshops by Gay Richardson and reworking vintage by Natalie Wileman of Former Glory.
All will be announced shortly on the Museum website.
Featured Designers
Ailsa, Joanne Fleming Design, Juliana Sissons, Mazelino, Paul Milana, Chrissie Nicholson-Wilde,
Sarina Poppy, Renaissance and Suzie Turner
Dates and Times
Press Launch, Wednesday June 1st
The exhibition is open to the public from June 2nd to July 3rd.
Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 5pm
Closed Mondays (except public holidays)
Brighton Museum and Art Gallery
Royal Pavilion Gardens
Brighton
East Sussex
BN1 1EE
Tel; 03000 290900
http://www.brighton-hove-rpml.org.uk/Museums/brightonmuseum/Pages/home.aspx
Accompanying images
Original sketches for the exhibit by;
Renaissance
Corset, fur/feather bolero and full tiered organza/shredded tulle skirt based on the Old Pier/reflected light and
the flocks of starlings that roost on the pier. Silver/grey/ivory with eau de nil accent.
Juliana Sissons
Knitted piece based on St Margaret’s Church in Rottingdean (stained glass by Burne-Jones/William Morris)
following on from research collection developed in the Renaissance Galleries at the V& A. Predominantly
black with gold.
Joanne Fleming Design
Bias cut silk satin 20s inspired gown with devore evening coat with ostrich feather collar. Inspired by the
work of Aubrey Beardsley (born in Buckingham Road, Brighton). Soft pale antique gold palette with black
accents.
Mazelino
Fitted grey mesh asymmetric fishtail gown with stiffened hem and one shoulder detail. Hand applied ribbon
work and crystal accents running asymmetrically down the body. Based on the Brighton sea and shoreline.
Blue/Grey/ivory and blue accents.
Contact
Exhibition information
Kevin Freeman
Renaissance Creative Design Ltd
Kevin@renaissancecreativedesign.com
01273 734010
Museum Information
Martin Pel
Costume Curator
Brighton Museum
Martin.pel@brighton-hove.gov.uk