BFC announces Britain Creates

Britain Creates: Fashion & Art Collusion is a new artistic project led by the British Fashion Council/ Bazaar Fashion Arts Foundation, in partnership with the Mayor of London, as part of the Fashion 2012 platform to celebrate the year of

London’s hosting of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The initiative aims to celebrate and strengthen the longstanding relationships between fashion designers and visual artists, and will feature British designers paired together with top contemporary artists creating exclusive pieces that ‘inspire creativity and represent London as a capital for creative excellence’, which will be unveiled at a fundraising VIP Gala at the Old Royal Naval College, before going on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum, and then auctioned through Phillips de Pury to raise money for future projects.

Designers and artists taking part include: Giles Deacon and Jeremy Deller; Hussein Chalayan and Gavin Turk; Jonathan Saunders and Jess Flood-Paddock; Mary Katrantzou and Mark Titchner; Matthew Williamson and Mat Collishaw; Nicholas Kirkwood and Simon Periton; Paul Smith and Charming Baker; Peter Pilotto and Francis Upritchard; and Stephen Jones and Cerith Wyn Evans.

Harold Tillman CBE, Chairman BFC commented “2012 is such a momentous year. The Britain Creates 2012: Fashion & Art Collusion project to celebrate the London 2012 Festival is the perfect opportunity to showcase unique talent within the UK in the creative industries and echoes the special relationships within. The pieces of art and accompanying book will leave a great legacy to reflect on this special year.”

Britain Creates 2012: Fashion & Art Collusion is part of the London 2012 Festival and all pieces will be exhibited to the public throughout the London 2012 Festival – at the V&A Museum from July 6-29, followed by an installation in Selfridges ‘Wonder Windows’ programme during July and August.

Image: Giles AW12 at London Fashion Week