PAPER AND FASHION UNITE ON THE CATWALK
British master papermaker James Cropper recently teamed up with influential fashion designer Edeline Lee to deliver the paper for the set of her Autumn/Winter show at London Fashion Week.
British master papermaker James Cropper recently teamed up with influential fashion designer Edeline Lee to deliver the paper for the set of her Autumn/Winter show at London Fashion Week.
The heritage paper manufacturer supplied beautiful and tactile papers for the scenography of the show, which took place at The Vinyl Factory and marked the designer’s second collection to be exhibited at the prestigious event.
Canadian-born, London-based Edeline has gained international recognition for her dynamic fashion presentations, which have the immersive quality of film and live performance. She has apprenticed in the studios of Alexander McQueen and John Galliano, and worked at Zac Posen in New York and Rodnik in London, where she was head designer. She counts celebrities Alicia Vikander, Taylor Swift and Solange Knowles among her fans.
“Over the years, I’ve learnt how every detail counts when it comes to creating luxury, which is why I wanted the paper for this set to come from a like-minded brand for which quality is paramount. All my designs are made by hand in England, so James Cropper, as an innately British company with an impressive heritage, was a perfect match.”fashion designer Edeline Lee
A chequerboard pattern was created using paper from James Cropper’s ‘Black’ and ‘Ambassador’ ranges, while height was achieved with shaped mounds of predominantly white shredded paper interspersed with bright accents from ‘Vanguard’ colours. The colourful and playful abstract paper shapes create a landscape behind the models that is anchored by the powerful black and white base to the scheme.
The artist behind the scenography was Kyung Roh Bannwart, who Edeline previously worked with on her Spring/Summer collection. She employs various media, including sculpture, sound light and objects, to build structure and create an emotional and physical experience.
The paper used for the presentation is destined to be recycled, aligned with James Cropper’s dedication to sustainability within the paper sector. The company has invested significantly in its plant and technology, to both develop its range of recycled materials and to ensure its own production methods are as sustainable as possible.
James Cropper supplies distinct, custom-made paper products to many of the world’s leading art galleries, designers and luxury brands – providing the paper for Selfridges’ signature yellow bags – and is a proud sponsor of other artists and exhibitions, including events at NYCxDesign, YSL at The Bowes and the fabulous ‘Paper Bar’ at London’s ICA for Thomas Pink’s Autumn/Winter collection.
Image credits: Simbarashe Cha ©
“There is, of course, a potent link between paper and fashion design. Being involved in this beautiful project maintains our public support for initiatives that champion creativity and, more specifically, how integral paper is to artistic processes. Edeline Lee continues to push boundaries with her designs and presentations and we’re proud to have come together for London Fashion Week. The show was magnificent!”
