Narc. Magazine Online
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Northumbria University students examine a staple of our wardrobes in a bit more detail
The white shirt is a wardrobe staple. It’s the go-to, fail-safe piece that works for any occasion. It’s a versatile yet timeless item and it’s a blank canvas, enticing creativity and self-expression. Northumbria University BA Fashion students have taken this concept literally in their new exhibition at Gateshead’s Shipley Art Gallery, aptly named The White Shirts Project. As part of a first year project, fashion students have drawn on inspiration from geometric shapes to create unique and intriguing re-imaginings of this fashion classic. The result? A stunning collection of white shirts which challenge the relationship between dress, pattern making and the body. This contemporary form of self-expression is about celebrating creativity, but also raising questions which are especially relevant to today’s fashion industry.
“This shirt exhibition explores a new method of design, learning and teaching using geometric shapes as the inspiration,” says Gael Henry, exhibition curator and fashion lecturer at Northumbria University. “These shirts tell a visual narrative that questions proportion, silhouette, volume and movement, and develops tactile knowledge.”
Northumbria University Fashion graduates are known to go on to be extremely successful, working with the likes of Ralph Lauren, Chloe and Givenchy. This is a fantastic opportunity to witness their early work and extraordinary talent. You’ll never think of your white shirt in the same way again.
The White Shirts Project is showing at Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead until Saturday 11th July.
