Collaborations between artists and fashion designers—despite their long tradition—seemed to have experienced a boom in recent years.

Needless to say, the two fields are actually complementary and both source their concepts from cultural trends that dominate our current society. This creative mix usually expresses strong visions and provocative ideas, which are intensified by the artistic strength of both disciplines.

A great example of the power of this union is represented by the LIDL bag designed by the artist Markus Kreiss, founder of the TV channel Souvenirs From Earth. Marcus Kreiss' message goes against the fever of consumption triggered by the desire to accumulate more and more at the cheapest prices, which according to the artist, leads to progressive destruction of local goods production and causes unsustainable competition of supermarkets and multinational companies.

To convey his vision, Kreiss has chosen a fashion accessory, a leather tote bag, must-have of all fashionistas, inspired by the unfashionable LIDL plastic sacs. The bag is available in a limited edition of 100 copies, all numbered and signed. The artist made a nod to the fake appearence of the bag, and to the paradox that for the first time a copy of the Lidle bag is significantly more expensive than the original. The bag will be presented on June 4th at Galerie Yvon Lambert, 108 rue vieille du Temple, 75003, Paris.



Various subjects inspired the partnership between the shoemaker Eugene Riconneaus and the artist Daniel Buren. Buren's obsession for lines has been translated by the designer into a capsule collection of five arty shoe designs; with each piece edited in a single copy, and hand signed. With this unique edition of shoes, Eugene Riconneaus paid homage to Buren's graphic art, which is also the subject of the exhibition in situ Défini, fini, infini at Art MAMO (Marseille Modulor). The shoes will be on display at the boutique Chez Moi, in Marseille, from June 28th to September 30th.

Whether they aim to denounce society problems or to appeal to a more sophisticated audience, partnerships between art and fashion are stronger every day and continue to trigger thoughtful meditation on life and society in general.

Cecilia Musmeci @ Modemonline