Modern Atlanta

DARFUR CRISIS The current conflict in Darfur is complex, caused by a host of political, social, economic and environmental problems. The result is a humanitarian crisis affecting millions of people. The conflict erupted in early 2003. Fighting among various factions has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced more than two million, most escaping to larger towns where they stay in camps for “internally displaced people,” and some crossing the border into Chad, where they live in refugee camps, straining local resources. Attacks on civilians during the conflict have been brutal and include burning homes, killing and rape. CARE has been active since April 2004 and currently provides direct humanitarian assistance to over 526,000 war-affected people there and in neighboring Chad. CARE’s work includes water and sanitation, community services and distribution of food and other relief.

A portion of proceeds for Belgium Design & Fashion Weekend go to Darfur humanitarian relief.

photo credit michael wadleigh

photo credit michael wadleigh

From impressive architecture to the coolest looking products imaginable, Belgian creativity is in high demand and has gained a solid reputation for pioneering design and cutting-edge fashion. In an exclusive MA collaborative project, SCAD, DOMUS and Jeffrey, two Atlanta powerhouses in international design and fashion, along with international relief agency, CARE, unite in a special fundraiser to raise funds for humanitarian aid in Darfur. Belgium’s top designer brands showcased in this exclusive event include Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten and Extremis.

ANN DEMEULEMEESTER Ann Demeulemeester is an internationally acclaimed Belgian fashion designer who lives in Antwerp in a 1926 Le Corbusier-designed pavilion. In 1987, Demeulemeester debuted onto the fashion scene when she and 5 other students rented a truck and headed to London with their designs to show at London Fashion Week. Because no one could pronounce their names properly, they were dubbed “The Antwerp Six”; and although they hardly knew one another and had very different visions for fashion design, the name has endured over the years and is now legendary. Demeulemeester clothes are described by others as very creative and spirited rather than trendy. Her attention to detail and unexpected fabric choices are among the traits that makes her designs desirable. Demeulemeester’s collections are raw, oftentimes edgy but always in sync to a natural rhythmic flow. In 2007 Demeulemeester’s opened her new shop located in Seoul, designed by MASS STUDIES. In Atlanta, you can buy Ann Demeulemeester at Jeffrey, located in Phipps Plaza, 3500 Peachtree Road NE, across from Lenox Square.

Demeulemeester fashion

DRIES VAN NOTEN Antwerp’s own Dries Van Noten is third generation in a family of tailors. In the 1980s, he was one of the original Antwerp Six who descended onto the London fashion scene that helped jump start their professional careers in designer fashion. At the young age of 16, he began his studies at the fashion section of the Antwerp Royal Academy. While studying, he worked as a freelance designer for commercial collections and established Belgian designers. As a graduate, he continued freelancing while developing his own first haute couture collection. Dries Van Noten’s designs are beautifully simple yet sophisticated, interlaced with classic and contemporary design elements. In 2007, he opened his second ever shop in Paris and now sells his men’s, women’s and accessories collections all over the world. In addition to his boutiques in Antwerp, Paris, and Hong Kong, Dries Van Noten works in partnership with some four hundred boutiques in cities such as New York, London, Paris, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. In Atlanta you can find Dries Van Noten at Jeffrey.

Dries Van Noten fashion

EXTREMIS Extremis was established in 1994 on the initiative of Dirk Wynants. The company started very modestly with the creation of the multifunctional Gargantua garden table. From the tiny village of Gijverinkhove in the ‘Westhoek’, a far-off corner in the Province of West Flanders, Extremis managed to secure a firm position on the international design scene.

From the very outset, a major part of the production was meant for the international markets, as the home market could not secure the necessary continuity. On its major markets, Extremis works with a network of agents and importers who are aware of the local market dynamics. Extremis products can be found in the most exclusive design furniture shops throughout the world or are prescribed by the world’s leading architects in a wide variety of projects. Ever since Extremis was established we have been recognized and rewarded for being innovative and trendsetting in the field of contemporary design.

Extremis

Visit domusinternational.com and jeffreynewyork.com to learn how they influence Atlanta design.

Special thanks to Skylar Morgan for use of his workshop and industrial location for this event.