The first theme focussed on the art collection from the Alcantara archive. This presented a selection of artworks created by artists who have accompanied the Italian brand on its creative journey. Alcantara presented for the first time in Korea: the iconic “Extended Infinity” dress by Dutch designer Iris Van Herpen, known for her fantastic use of feminine lines and human anatomy.
In addition, the sensory chairs “Beyond the Nuclear Garden” by contemporary art studio ZEITGUISED, created by American sculptor and fashion designer Jamie Raap and German architect Henrik Mauler, and the visual installation “The Future Landscape” by Italian video artist and filmmaker Yuri Ancarani were shown. This theme was presented in the exhibition hall on the 2nd floor.
The second theme was the “Alcantara-Jaden Cho Collaboration”, which was presented in the exhibition hall on the 3rd floor. It consisted of four sculpture garments made of Alcantara created by designer Cho Sung-min of the brand Jaden Cho, who has been actively working in Korea since his first collection launched in the UK in 2020. The four artworks featured vibrantly coloured Alcantara quilted by hand with cotton, creating romantic silhouettes with different cut-outs: from flowers to geometric figures. The special collaboration between Alcantara and the creative vision of Jaden Cho was also showcased through an engaging set-up that gave an insight into the delicate process of designer Cho Sung-min’s work with the Italian-made material.
Andrea Boragno, Chairman of Alcantara S.p.A., said: “We are very pleased to participate in this cultural production with the Platform-L Contemporary Art Centre, which highlights the encounter between the art worlds of the East and the West. With this exhibition, we hope to get closer to the Korean audience and art community. At the same time, we would like to inspire with artworks from Alcantara art history and go “Beyond Boundaries” by showing the endless possibilities of our material to adapt to the challenges of creativity with the talented Jaden Cho.”
Jeon Sang Un said: “It was a very meaningful exhibition because we were able to connect with Jaden Cho, a talented young Korean designer, and the global Italian brand Alcantara through this collaboration. I hope there will be more opportunities to work with Korean artists in the future. We remain committed to ensuring that Korean talents not only become internationally successful, but can also play a significant role in promoting awareness of global brands in Korea.”
Designer Jaden Cho expressed her delight at working with Alcantara, a world-leading material brand that epitomises Italian craftsmanship and sustainability values. “The variety from beautiful colours to fine details allowed me to reflect the designer’s intentions in a way I could not have imagined before my encounter with Alcantara. The resulting work is therefore perfect for the upcoming spring season.”
The exhibition “Alcantara: Beyond Boundaries” was held at the Platform-L Contemporary Art Centre in Nonhyeon-dong, Seoul/Korea.
Editor’s tip
Visit the Poggenpohl Kitchen Studio in Seoul.
