The Hyères Festival, held from October 11-15, provided a platform for talented designers from around the world to showcase their work. Belgian designer Igor Dieryck and Swedish designer Petra Fagerstrom emerged as the winners of the festival, sweeping all five prizes in the fashion category. Their collections were praised for their conceptual designs and commercial appeal. However, amidst the recognition for Dieryck and Fagerstrom, there were other finalists who were commended for their dedication to sustainability and craftsmanship.
One of these standout designers is Alec Bizby, a 35-year old Welsh designer known for his inventive and whimsical designs. Bizby’s collection served as a heartfelt tribute to his late father, who was a farmer and coal miner. His collection featured innovative pieces, such as a cable-knit sweater made from jersey flakes resembling wool vermicelli, and a top constructed from old Victorian clay pipes collected from the river Thames’s mudflats. Bizby specializes in upcycling, utilizing artisanal techniques to create his own materials. In addition to his success at the Hyères Festival, he recently joined the Alexander McQueen studio, solidifying his reputation in the fashion industry.
Another remarkable designer at the festival was Fengyuan Dai, a Chinese-born designer currently based in France. Dai’s collection, titled “Equilibre,” meaning balance, showcased his personal journey from his upbringing in China to his life in France. He incorporated elements such as stripes, checks, ribbons, and straps to create structured garments that reflected the hierarchical social relationships and cultural beliefs of his native country. Dai received praise for his fabric work, as he created his materials using recycled fabrics and garments from his previous collections. This innovative approach demonstrates his commitment to sustainability and resourcefulness in fashion design.
Jung Eun Lee, a South Korean designer, also captivated the judges with her unique and meticulous approach to textile manipulation. Lee’s collection highlighted her talent in replicating feathers, fur, and reptile skin through the use of frayed fabrics, pleating, and painting techniques. She utilized unsold inventory and fabric scraps to create ornamental details on her garments. Lee’s collection not only impressed aesthetically, but also incorporated sustainable practices by utilizing materials like cactus leather and gelled fabric sourced from fruit waste.
The Hyères Festival continues to be an important platform for emerging designers to exhibit their talent and creativity. The emphasis on sustainability, textile innovation, and craftsmanship aligns with the growing demand for ethical and responsible fashion. The winners and finalists of the festival have showcased that fashion can be visually stunning while also being environmentally conscious. Their collections serve as inspiration for the fashion industry at large, encouraging designers to embrace sustainable practices and explore innovative materials. The future of fashion lies in the hands of these visionary designers, and events like the Hyères Festival play a vital role in nurturing their talent and pushing the boundaries of fashion design.
Useful links:
1. Hyères Festival Official Website
2. Alexander McQueen Official Website
