TN: There are three new artist commissions involved this year, what has been involved in getting these up and running?
HUO: This summer, Park Nights features three new artist commissions: a new performed film by Hannah Perry; artist and poet Heather Phillipson’s live audio sculpture in response to the architecture of the Pavilion and Lina Lapelyte’s exploration of choirs with low female voices. An evening of experimental sound with Haroon Mirza, Mark Fell and Okkyung Lee, in collaboration with Fiorucci Art Trust; a homage to Chilean film-maker Raúl Ruiz with actor Melvil Poupaud, producer Paulo Branco and director Valeria Sarmiento; Ed Atkins’s ancient Greek-style symposium, complete with dreaming, drinking and singing; and a talk by leading sociologist Zygmunt Bauman.

TN: What role does Park Nights play in the supporting of young and emerging artists?
HUO: Park Nights offers the Serpentine the opportunity to work with young artists on major site-specific commissions. Through these, we encourage and support the production of works that, more often than not, draw together collaborations between the artists and musicians, filmmakers, writers and other practitioners, to produce true Gesamtkunstwerk – works that live on as significant productions by the artists. It is not often that an opportunity like this is given to emerging artists in a non-exhibition context.

TN: How are the worlds of young art and fashion linked here?
JPJ: From the outset, it was apparent that COS understood us and what we do. As a brand, they are intertwined with the art world and share with us a commitment to young artists and to education. And, of course, COS is the clothing brand of choice for so many artists, designers and architects. They are a perfect match for us in so many ways.

TN: And Martin, how do art and architecture integrate into the COS men’s collection?
Martin Andersson: For the FW14 collection we were inspired by utilitarianism and nature; combining collapsed, soft tailoring and organic textures with functional details, all in earthy tones inspired by autumnal landscapes and foliage. In the mens’ collections, printed multicolour brushstrokes on a merino wool sweater and a five-pocket jean given new life when rendered in wool are examples of our inspiration this season. We also look to the classics, giving each piece a modern update. This is evident in the limited edition shoe we have created for the Serpentine. This year, we looked to the traditional men’s lace-up; we stripped the design back to create a minimal, timeless piece, removing cut lines and replacing them with stitch lines to create a clean look.

Park Nights runs until 19th October at the Serpentine Pavilion Kensington Gardens, London W2 3XA

Salvatore Ferragamo Sneakers: £345

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