Tom van der Borght's Wild Parade: Fashion as Performance Art
In October 2020, Belgian designer Tom van der Borght achieved a remarkable feat by winning both the Grand Prix du Jury Première Vision and the Public Prize at the 35th Hyères International Festival. He presented his collection titled '7 Ways to Be T.VDB, act 3: a hopeful parade' during Berlin Fashion Week in January 2021, featuring choreography by Blanca Li. This innovative work merges recycled materials with elements of art history and performance, showcasing deconstructed garments and intricate staging. The collection comprises seven silhouettes and latex masks resembling his face, drawing inspiration from the Bolivian Diablada carnival. Van der Borght, who hails from near Ghent, was influenced by Björk and 'Being John Malkovich,' and he crafted a dress for Li at the Prado Museum, inspired by outsider art and Charles Fréger.
Key facts
- Tom van der Borght won Grand Prix du Jury Première Vision and Public Prize at 35th Hyères festival in October 2020.
- His collection '7 Ways to Be T.VDB, act 3: a hopefull parade' was shown at Berlin Fashion Week in January 2021, sponsored by Mercedes Benz.
- Choreographer Blanca Li participated in the Berlin show; she previously wore his design at the Prado Museum.
- Van der Borght uses recycled materials: climbing ropes, parachutes, plastic strapping.
- He describes his approach as 'high-tech bricolage'.
- The collection features seven silhouettes representing aspects of personality, with latex masks of the designer.
- Inspirations include outsider art, Charles Fréger's photography, and the Bolivian Diablada carnival.
- Garments embroidered with 'I'm not a monster'.
- Van der Borght is open to working for established brands, citing the Chloe Prize challenge.
- He was born near Ghent, influenced by Björk and 'Being John Malkovich'.
Entities
Artists
- Tom van der Borght
- Blanca Li
- Charles Fréger
- Björk
- Jérôme Bosch
- Arthur Rimbaud
Institutions
- Hyères International Festival of Fashion, Photography and Fashion Accessories
- Mercedes Benz
- Prado Museum
- Chloé
Locations
- Hyères
- France
- Berlin
- Germany
- Ghent
- Belgium
Sources
- artpress —