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hussein chalayan
image © designboom
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was born in nicosia, cyprus in 1970. chalayan is an internationally regarded
fashion designer who is renowned for his innovative use of materials,
meticulous pattern cutting and progressive attitude to new
technology. he was educated both in cyprus and england, at london's strict highgate
boarding school. in 1993 he graduated from london's central st martins college of art
and design. he caused a sensation with his graduate collection - decomposed silk dresses
he had buried and exhumed.
l: spring/summer collection, 2006
r: ‘manifest destiny’ spring/summer collection 2003
since then he has produced more than 20 collections and twice been crowned
british designer of the year (1999, 2000). chalayan is inspired by architectural theories,
science and technology. he famously produced a collection which included chairs
and tables that became garments. he has been involved in numerous international exhibitions,
including ‘radical fashion’ at the V&A victoria & albert museum in london (1997),
‘fashion’ at the kyoto costume institute in japan (1999), ‘airmail clothing’ at the
musée de la mode palais du louvre in paris (1999), the istanbul biennial (2001)
and 'godess: the classical mode' at the museum of modern art in new york (2003).
chalayan has also designed costumes for opera and dance performances.
hussein chalayan represented turkey at the 51st art biennale in venice (2005).
he was awarded the M.B.E. (member of the order of the british empire) in the 2006
queen's birthday honours list for his services to the fashion industry.
l: detail of inflatable collar, ready to wear collection, paris fashion show fall/winter 2006
r: detail of shoes, ready to wear collection, london fashion show fall/winter 2006