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Theyskens in Calais: In Praesentia
by Modem – Posted July 12 2019
© Modem

For its 10th anniversary, the Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode located in Calais (France) is giving the Belgian designer Olivier Theyskens the opportunity to express his vision and passion for lace.

Successively artistic director of the prestigious fashion houses Rochas, Nina Ricci, American Theory, Olivier Theyskens enjoys international recognition and launches his own brand. He develops a unique style: a subtle combination of casual and couture spirit, crossed with a constant technical perfection and artistic sensibility.

Olivier has a large textile universe combining old fabrics such as lace with modern technics.

He explains: "Lace is an extremely complicated product to work with: factories are very dusty and brutal. We are working as we did 100 years ago to make this delicate and precious fabric." He continues: Lace is "not used enough, It is perceived with a very limited spectrum - lingerie, dress details, flower material - but in reality it is a technique that can be used for many other fields. Some sports tulle, some advanced technological fabrics are made according to the process of "lace-making".

For the curator of the exhibition, Lydia Kamitsis, "In praesentia" celebrates a heritage and "people of whom little is said", those who produce lace.

In praesentia is inspired by a creative dialogue between Olivier Theyskens' unique work and the museum's historical textile and industrial collections. Sensual, striking, modern and creative beyond fashion, Olivier captures the poetry of detail. His eye brings artistic sensibility, soul and modernity to Calais' lace history.

OLIVIER THEYSKENS, IN PRAESENTIA
Until January 5, 2020
CITE DE LA DENTELLE ET DE LA MODE
135, quai du Commerce
62100 CALAIS

© Modem