MANIAMANIA’S Spring 2012 Collection, ‘The Third Mind’ channels the dreamlike spirit and unpredictable visual collisions of the surrealist age. Free from the constraints of rational thought, the collection is constructed in ways that allude to the Exquisite Corpse technique - whereby words and images are collectively assembled and relish an absence of control. The range moniker pays homage to The Third Mind, a 1978 book and concept by William Burroughs and Brian Gysin, which showcased the ‘cut ups’ technique originating from the Surrealists - a form later adapted to film making by Kenneth Anger and Maya Deren. In this mode, unrelated texts and images where literally cut up and rearranged to form radical narratives and vistas. The concept signifies a shared consciousness and creative output, only reachable by two or more people; a place neither could reach alone. In MANIAMANIA tradition, primary metals and natural stones are transfigured. ‘The Third Mind’ meshes Brass and Sterling Silver with Pyrite crystal stone, Amethyst and Tourmalinated Quartz in a series of exquisite forms and symbols to free ones self from time and convention. This fourth range fromMANIAMANIA expands with extensions on signature best sellers from the Immortals series, including a Limited Edition exclusive ‘Abbey Lee Ring’, inspired by modern muse Abbey Lee Kershaw. Collaborating with filmmaker, Elle Muliarchyk and featuring Abbey Lee for a second season, a three part series of short films and campaign images were created using artful techniques of the avant-garde. This included a set built of a life size kaleidoscope which created hypnotic repeat mirror imagery which looks as technical and modern as the digitally mastered alternative, but has tell tale realism of warped angles and beautiful accidents; elements also achieved within MANIAMANIA’s ‘Third Mind’ collection. View film after the jump.
[fashion film] BELLA FREUD 'SUBMISSION'
Designer Bella Freud (daughter of the late painter Lucien Freud) collaborated with director Martina Amati to create of short fashion film for her 2011 Fall collection. Starring models Susie Bick and Abbey Lee Kershaw, and actresses Antonia Campbell Hughes, Phyllis Wang and Olympia Campbell, Submission takes place in the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu "where you learn to use your opponent's strength to vanquish them. The unlikely winner engages us in her internal dialogue, remembering the moment in her childhood when she discovered how she wanted clothes to serve her as a protective armor" Bella Freud premiered her short film last week in London, and if the film is a testament to a talent in filmmaking, the creative direction and sartorial aptitude of Bella Freud proves genius might just be hereditary.