About this project...
I am an artist and craftsperson seeking crocheters to participate in an art project that utilizes the tenacity and skills of crafters to interpret and "translate" high fashion handbags (Chanel, Gucci, Fendi, etc.) into "homemade" versions.
A completed "Chanel" purse, handcrocheted and made from photos downloaded from the internet. ==> see details on how I made this!
For me, this project pays homage to the DIY aesthetic of those who choose to make their own goods in an era of mass consumption and mass production, as well as addresses issues of high fashion piracy and counterfeiting--a hot topic in the news media these days. You can read more about my background of this project in the FAQ section, as well.
I am looking for makers of all backgrounds: the crafty DIY girl who knows how to whip up a killer scarf, the homemaker who crochets as a hobby, the senior who crochets baby booties for craft fairs to supplement her income, the guy who has always wondered if there's more to his crochet talents than just potholders...I'm looking for the gamut! Have skillz, will travel!
Fellow counterfeiters: Anna's Chanel, Angela's Louis Vuitton Murakami, and Diana's Dior
How does this work?
YOU WOULD:
Choose an image of an "original" designer bag (straight from the internet, Gucci, Chanel, Prada, etc.) so you can do your own approximation of it in crochet. That way it's really about YOU translating it as opposed to executing my directions. You can choose from the images at the right, or rummage around the internet and find a couture designer bag that you yourself covet. Depending on your personal skill level, you can choose a more complicated or simple style of bag to emulate.
You would do your best at making it exactly as you see it in the picture, to actual size and scale, and try to make it functional (i.e., attempt pockets, closures, etc). Some folks have included knitted details, embroidery, cardboard inserts to help "shape" the bag, etc.
IN EXCHANGE:
You get trade credit. Each bag made would receive credit towards one anti-factory garment. I would execute several garments in your size, in different styles, and you would get to pick from the choices before I send them into my online store.
WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO THE BAG?
I would like you to take a few pictures of your finished bag using a digital camera. Several with just the bag against a white background, from different angles. At least one, but hopefully more, with you wearing/holding/showing the bag as the proud maker.
You can either keep the bag for yourself if you send me the photos, or you can mail it to me so it can physically take part in a future art exhibition. You would get full credit as the maker, and a "collaborator" of the project. I would love to be able to see and display the bags in person, but even if you decide to keep the bag, you would receive an Anti-Factory trade!
THEN WHAT?
I envision an art exhibition opportunity for this project, in which photos of crocheted bags would be displayed (perhaps with some real "live" ones, too?). The photos would be of the snapshots you send me (if you chose not to send me the bag itself), and I would blow each up to a large poster size (approximately 30" x 40") to show off the handmade qualities of your item. The physical bags would be placed on individual pedestals or perhaps on a large single white platform display to best show them off. The name of each maker will accompany their bag or photos. I can arrange to have your bag available for sale if you like, completing the strange cycle of manufacturing, distribution, and retail!
I would create an accompanying website and catalog that documents the project, as well, to enable a further distribution of everyone's work.
IS THERE A DEADLINE?
Nope! I started this project in early April of 2006, but it's ongoing and I plan on continuing it as long as there is interest from others. I'm hoping that with a good selection of samples from people I can send this idea around to various venues for exhibition opportunites. I would love to have you participate no matter how long you think it will take you!
For more info, please visit my FAQ page...
CONTACT
Please email me at stephanie (at) anti-factory.com for more info and questions!