Burberry's Spring 2017 collection marked a significant departure from the brand's typical aesthetic, showcasing a profound engagement with art history and a bold collaboration that resonated far beyond the fashion world. At the heart of this collection lay a striking series of pieces inspired by the iconic sculptures of Henry Moore, culminating in what became a highly sought-after item: the Burberry Henry Moore shirt. This article delves into the creation, significance, and lasting impact of this unique garment, exploring the intersection of high fashion and the Henry Moore art collection and archive.
The collaboration between Burberry and the Henry Moore Foundation was a natural pairing, uniting two British institutions deeply rooted in heritage and creativity. Christopher Bailey, then Burberry's Chief Creative Officer and CEO, possessed a keen eye for art and a commitment to incorporating artistic influences into his designs. His decision to draw inspiration from Moore's oeuvre wasn't merely a superficial nod to artistic trends; it represented a deeper engagement with the sculptor's legacy and a desire to translate the essence of his work into wearable art.
The Henry Moore Foundation, established by the artist himself, serves as the custodian of his extensive collection and archive. This archive is a treasure trove of materials, encompassing not only finished sculptures but also preparatory drawings, sketches, photographs, letters, and personal effects. It provides an intimate glimpse into Moore's creative process, revealing the evolution of his ideas from initial concept to final execution. Bailey's access to this rich archive allowed him to engage with Moore's work on a profoundly personal level, selecting specific elements that resonated most strongly with his vision for the Burberry Spring 2017 collection.
The Henry Moore art collection itself is vast and diverse, encompassing a range of materials and styles that reflect Moore's long and prolific career. From his early figurative works, influenced by the stark realism of the mining communities he knew, to his later, more abstract forms, characterized by their smooth, flowing curves and evocative sense of presence, Moore's sculptures offer a rich tapestry of artistic expression. Bailey's challenge lay in selecting aspects of this diverse body of work that could be effectively translated into the context of clothing design, without trivializing the original artistic intent.
The resulting Burberry Henry Moore shirt wasn't simply a reproduction of a particular sculpture. Instead, it captured the spirit and essence of Moore's art through subtle yet powerful means. The design likely incorporated motifs, textures, or color palettes inspired by the sculptor's work. Perhaps it featured prints derived from photographs of Moore's sculptures, or perhaps the fabric itself mimicked the smooth, sensual curves of his forms through innovative draping and tailoring. The choice of materials would have been crucial, reflecting the weight, texture, and even the implied coolness of the bronze or stone of the original sculptures.
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