Antony for YOOX.COM
See the dress and read the exclusive interview
THE PROJECT:
YOOXforLOVE is an initiative involving different creative universes, united by the common goal of launching original projects that are both ethical and aesthetical. YOOX and Antony collaborated to create a one-off dress designed by the musician and produced by YOOX in collaboration with NABA (New Academy of Fine Arts – Milan).
ANTONY for YOOX.COM is the first in a series of future projects that YOOX will continue to develop with other musicians.
THE DRESS:
The dress, made from white silk jersey, is a unique piece hand made in Italy and signed by Antony himself. Evoking a kimono, the sleeves are short, the hems are unfinished, and the front is adorned with an elegant abstract design. Following the lines of a tunic, the opening is at the rear and can be tied on both sides, which makes it suitable for all body shapes and silhouettes.
With its essential and refined lines, exalted by an immaculate whiteness, the piece expresses the same qualities found in its creator’s poetic musicality: the use of few but penetrating notes, and a pure heavenly voice going straight to the listener’s heart.
THE CHARITY:
Sylvia Rivera Law Project is an organization that seeks to increase the political voice and visibility of low-income people of color who are transgender, intersex, or gender non-conforming. www.srlp.org
THE BIOGRAPHY:
Antony was born in England, but moved to New York at the beginning of the 1990s. He performed mainly at the Pyramid Club, where his After Hours Cabaret became a point of reference for an alternative, sensitive, and selective audiences.
In 2003, Lou Reed included Antony among the guest artists featured on The Raven, the album dedicated to Edgar Allen Poe, for which he executed a ghostly version of “Perfect Day”. Their collaboration continued with Reed’s next album, a live record entitled Animal Serenade.
2005 saw the release of Antony’s second solo album, I’m a Bird Now, which is characterised by intense acoustic ballads and features the co-operation of illustrious guests such as Lou Reed, Boy George, Rufus Wainwright, and Devendra Banhart. Both the public and the critics were captivated by the album’s magic, which won the prestigious Mercury Music Prize as best album of the year.
INTERVIEW:
FD
In its essential and elegant nature, the dress that you have
designed for YOOX communicates a sense of purity and immaculate candor. Is
this what you wanted to express?
A
I chose a simple dress form almost like a kimono. The print is
one of the drawings I have been doing recently. I wanted to suggest
an abstract connection between the dress and the light and the world
around it.
FD
The proceeds of the sale will go to the Sylvia Rivera Law Project
(SRLP). Do you want to say something about the reasons why you
choose this organization?
A
It is a fine organization that advocates for the rights of
transgendered people who need but cannot afford legal
representation.
FD
In pop music the rise of a new genre has always gone side by side
with a definite look. I’m thinking of rockabilly, punk, country, Glam,
New Romantic and we could go on and on… Is there some artist or genre
which interests you (or that has interested you) not as much in the
musical aspect but for the style that it has expressed?
A
I quite like the London “Hard times” look of the early 80s.
I find myself continuing to emulate it at every opportunity.
Basically people dressed up like scarecrows!
FD
In your opinion, what does Dress mean? Is it a way to
communicate or a simple garment without further meaning?
A
There is an aspect that just involves line and design. But the
image itself also suggests to me something a little mystical, a sense of
moving light, a sense of animation.
FD
Are you interested in fashion? Are there designers that you like
best?
A
Recently I have been working with Hussein Chalayan on a project and
his work is really beautiful.
FD
If the dress that you have designed for YOOX were one of your song,
which one would it be?
A
Spiralling.
FD
How do you imagine the person who will wear the dress?
A
A ghost.
