COVER STORY:

collaborations

Photographer/artist Bob Packert had always wanted to create a garment that featured a large “face” as the focal point. He was inspired by a very high profile fashion/art collaboration, the #tulleportrait trench coat between John Galliano/Maison Margiela Artisanal and artist Benjamin Shine. He reached out to fashion designer AK Liesenfeld to realize that ambition.

Bob Packert explains, “I initially sent the Margiela x Shine photos to AK for inspiration, and from there, the wheels started turning. I knew I wanted a face, but also different layers of texture and color.”

AK Liesenfeld appreciated Bob's collaborative spirit when working with other artists. Bob’s photographs of a man's and a woman's face painted onto the bottom side of two skateboards were of particular interest to her. AK shared that she is “very interested in the growing movement toward gender fluidity in fashion so the piece really spoke to me. The design we came up with is supposed to be an accessory you can throw over any outfit. It features an asymmetrical skirt and a bodice designed to bring attention to the fluidity between the faces on the photographs.”

Bob adds, “AK, supplied sketches and possible shapes for the piece. We finalized a design, all the while being aware of fabric size and trying to eliminate waste.” The back and forth included Bob’s re-design of a photo of the paintings to make it a circular design that could be printed in the shape of a circle skirt using the online service Spoonflower. “I was blown away by the results and loved the back and forth collaboration with AK.”

It was then that AK extended the collaboration to include former schoolmate Kavya Prakhyati. She had worked with her on a previous project and really appreciated her attention to detail. “Her work often features intricate handwork that I felt would complement my geometric style. We each created one half of the bodice (hers being the beautifully pleated side).”  Kavya and AK then spent two days at the School of Fashion Design where they constructed the asymmetrical dress, alternating throughout the process to finish each other's piece of the puzzle. AK also collaborated with the model/artist, Raïssa Inès by inviting her to bring her personal style to the look — her favorite jeans, unique jewelry, hairstyle, and her most comfortable dancing shoes made the outfit her own.  Raïssa said of the experience, "I love how intentional, layered and inclusive the creative process of this garment was.” She looked at the design as a piece of art to showcase rather than a piece of clothing to wear. 

The spirit of collaboration doesn’t end there. The featured “cover” photo was taken by George Comeau at Open Runway, one of BFW’s programs that uses the same premise as an open mic night for singers and comedians to provide an opportunity for local fashion designers to present their creations to the public. The event is free to participants and the public. The show features fashion designers at every stage of their careers including student fashion designers. This open-air fashion show traditionally takes place on The Steps in Downtown Crossing thanks to the generous support of the Downtown Crossing BID. 

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