LONDON TEENS CREATE STRIKING FASHION DESIGNS INSPIRED BY THE OLD MASTERS….TEMPORARY ROOFTOP CINEMA FOR CROYDON CAR PARK
A new photography exhibition of fashion portraits will showcase a remarkable collection of garments designed from scratch by nine young people age 11-18 from East London.
In a six month project led by Dulwich and creative youth space, Spotlight, the budding fashion designers found inspiration in the Old Master paintings at Dulwich Picture Gallery, creating bespoke garments that call to mind the likes of 16th century portrait sitter, Joan Alleyn, and the more contemporary style icon, Lady Gaga.
The initiative, Spotlight on Fashion, aimed to empower young people to express their ideas through creativity. 14-year-old Gary was immediately drawn to the striking figure of Joan Alleyn, wife of the English actor and founder of Dulwich College, Edward Alleyn. In her fierce black dress with big shoulders, ruff and unusual hat he saw elements of pop icon Lady Gaga and blended the styles of both women to create a highly individual, contemporary outfit.
Melissa, 11, based her garment on Phillip IV King of Spain from the workshop of Diego R. Velzuez and Portrait of a Lady by Marcus Gheeraerts the younger was interpreted by Betty, in a Tudor-style costume.
The designers modelled their garments at the Gallery in a photo shoot working with professional photographer, Sal Idriss. The portraits, along with a selection of the garments, will be exhibited in the Gallery’s Linbury Room from 2 April – 13 May. Free to the public, the exhibition is a great opportunity to see the Gallery’s permanent collection interpreted in a fresh, new way.
Spotlight on Fashion is the second collaboration between Dulwich Picture Gallery and Spotlight. It is part of Dulwich’s Youth Engagement Programme, which aims to inspire young people to develop as artists and art leaders through creative activities. The Programme runs throughout the year and engages with 11-18 year olds at DulwichPicture Gallery and in the community.
Spotlight on Fashion is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. (Source: Dulwich Picture Gallery press release)
TEMPORARY ROOFTOP CINEMA FOR CROYDON CAR PARK
A temporary rooftop open air cinema will be screening films on the top deck of the council’s multi-storey car park behind the Fairfield Halls this summer.
Film-lovers will be able to immerse themselves in some of cinema’s greatest works while taking in the stunning views of South London’s skyline from the rooftops of Croydon.
After last year’s highly successful run and thanks to an exciting injection of funding, a brand new venue and the same passion for cinema, top quality entertainment and the very best in food and drink, The Croydon Creative are returning with ‘Lost Format Society’ for an extended season of films.
Screenings commence once the sun sets and the programme will include modern greats such as Labyrinth, The Martian, Pulp Fiction and Jurassic World.
This project is being part-funded from the Mayor of London’s Regeneration Fund as a part of the £50m improvement project being delivered by Croydon Council.
Croydon as a whole is currently undergoing a huge phase of redevelopment, with a massive injection of public and private funding being put into the reinvigoration of the town. The Croydon Creative has backing from the council as one of the organisations at the forefront of ensuring the arts and entertainment are brought to the area as a key part of this modern renaissance.
“Events like Lost Format Society are incredibly exciting for us to see and are a shining example of creative and original entertainment that Croydon should be known for” said Croydon’s deputy leader and cabinet member for homes, regeneration and planning Cllr Alison Butler.
“Last year’s event was highly enjoyable and a wonderful opportunity for the locals of Croydon to come together and celebrate this town that we love and I expect this year to be even better.”
Alongside a season of cinema, there will also a wide range of other activities, including rooftop yoga, giant Jenga, connect four, bowls, and live music.
Entry to the site is free and guests can enjoy a selection of street food from the onsite grill. This year also sees the introduction of a covered rooftop bar serving a selection of cocktails, beers and soft drinks.
‘Lost Format Society’ is located right next to East Croydon station and opens on 28 April, running from Thursday to Sunday every week.
The council have agreed this temporary use of the space in the run-up to the proposed demolition of the multi-storey car park, which will form part of the clearance works for the College Green and Fairfield Halls development, which is due to commence in the summer.
Tickets for the first month of films were set to go live last Thursday (24th March).
www.lostformatsociety.co.uk (Source: Croydon council press release)
