| Welcome to the world of ‘Flat Cap’, Garudio
Studiage’s latest venture into the realms of urban fun. This
spectacular paper hat was commissioned by the V&A for their Easter
Bonnet Parade on Friday 27th March, one of a series of events surrounding
their latest exhibition Hats: An Anthology by Stephen Jones.
A surreal pun on two iconic forms, the block of flats rises majestically
from the top of a classic chequered flat cap and contains its own
miniature world where fashion icons and models rub shoulders with
bin men, pigeons, and even a horse.
Hand-made entirely of paper and card, most of the residents of Flat
Cap Towers are taken directly from the pages of i-D magazine and
publicity material from French Connection, the co hosts of the V&A
Friday Late event.
By bringing together all these images in one imaginary place Garudio
Studiage hint at playful narratives happening among the twisted miniature
community. We find Terry Richardson greeting Barack Obama whilst
a man rummages through a skip below them, and Jonny Woo posing in
black at his window as dowdy washing hangs over the balcony in front.
Of course, Stephen Jones himself does not escape the Garudio Studiage
treatment, as he reigns supreme on the upper balcony surrounded by
his creations. Oh, and who would be the only resident to leave her
Christmas lights up all year? Dame Edna of course!
See the Flat Cap at the French Connection Friday Late, Friday 27
March 18.30–22.00, throughout the V&A. |