Dialogue
Joan Jonas joins this year’s Woolmark Prize in championing next gen designers
Now complete with a lineup of eight finalists including Irish born designer Robyn Lynch and Anthony Alvarez’s french menswear brand Bluemarble, this year’s International Woolmark Prize is spotlighting the best in the business. Briefed to design a six piece collection tied to the theme of ‘Dialogue’ while showcasing the beauty and versatility of Merino wool, this year’s collection reveal takes the idea one step further with the introduction of a collaboration with legendary artist Joan Jonas.
Intending to spark an intergenerational dialogue, the visual project and accompanying film is a contemporary re-staging of Jonas’ iconic 1972 piece, Delay Delay. Originally shot in empty lots on the Lower West Side of Manhattan, Woolmark’s reinterpretation takes place against the backdrop of France’s rugged coastline in Marseille. Creative directed by Zak Kyes, the film brings the collections to life on the likes of British musician Loyle Carner and American actress Taylour Paige, pairing the medium of performance art with design.
This year’s UK finalist Robyn Lynch continues her exploration of innately technical creations and penchant for colour with her collection for Woolmark. Furthering the green hued colour palette which tied together her FW23 collection, Lynch’s Irish heritage can be felt in chunky cable knits and graphic sheep motifs. Accentuating the versatility of wool, layered looks feature fuzzy hoodies in elongated silhouettes, finely knit lime green trousers and neatly structured bomber jackets.
Speaking on the collaborative nature of the project, Jonas said; “Years ago I would not have participated in a project like this, but I’ve since become very interested in how people interpret my work, how they might be influenced by it and how it might change the way they view their own work.”
The International Woolmark Prize final event will take place in Paris on May 15th.
GALLERY