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Self proclaimed magpie collectors, self taught "createurs", and hands on do-it-yourself "bricoleurs", Englishman Gareth Casey and Frenchman Philippe Vidalenc create and handcraft their collections in their Paris workshop.
A Casey Vidalenc garment from afar may seem basic, yet a closer look reveals an unlikely contrast of dark tones of with insets of vivid antique floral patterns or classic pinstripes patched together with embroidered strips of vibrant prints. A silk patchwork lining, a bright purple lining to set off shades of khaki, stitching in a contrasting color, the off-set placement of a label: such details give character and depth to every creation of Casey Vidalenc.
Waste not, want not . Casey Vidalenc collects all of their own fabrics: used, recycled, old or new, in bulk or limited quantities. All of the fabrics are then stocked, whether they are to be used in the present collection or to be brought out another day. When the time comes to make some clothes, they begin to "play". With a mix and match color by number game, they create new garments, composing as they go along.
Nothing goes to waste or is thrown away. Even the off-cuts get mixed and patched together offering new creative suggestions. Patchwork, for which they are widely known, is simply the outcome of using up scraps.
Hands-on . Casey Vidalenc describes their work as "Spontaneous, hands on, clothing design". Once the garments have been constructed, so commences a rigorous and very physical process of dyeing, over-dyeing and dyeing again, lots of washing, patchwork, and embroidery. Their so lovingly named washing machines Greta and Olga are apparently at work non stop. They compare their creative method to cooking: "good ingredients, whatever's in season, a basic recipe, then the measuring out and mixing of the ingredients and the cooking. Like a good soup you can never make it taste exactly the same every time".
Wear and repair. A Casey Vidalenc garment is made, they destroy it, then repair it. It's used and abused, worn and torn, and goes through their washing and dyeing process. Then, just as the seams are about to split open, they begin to repair the damage by using patchwork and overstitching, giving the garments a look and feel that evokes the imagination and memory.
More, please! With their popularity on the rise, Casey Vidalenc is quite disconnected from "fashion", simply creating and doing what they enjoy. As they have broadened their horizons and industrialized their production Casey Vidalenc have certainly managed to maintain their hand crafted aesthetic.
Spontaneity, the desire to create, and happiness are visible at each step of their creative process. The particularity of Casey Vidalenc is revealed in these simple pleasures and their great sense of humour: "We do what we like, we like what we do, and we hope you like it too".
http://www.caseyvidalenc.com/
from mugmagazine.com
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