繁
2024/25
“Binding Artistry: An Exploration of Print and Form Through Creative Collaboration”
Dual City Exhibition at Centrestage
The inaugural event of the Fashion Atelier Certificate Programme 2024, the Hong Kong edition of "Binding Artistry: An Exploration of Print and Form Through Creative Collaboration" Dual-City Exhibition was successfully held at CENTRESTAGE on 4-7 September 2024. The exhibition featured collaboration works by Master Couturier Robert Curry and Textile Print Master Simon Ungless, highlighting the merging of print and 3-Dimensional cutting, aiming to uplift Hong Kong's fashion practitioners’ skills and thereby reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as one of the fashion centres on the international stage.
Biography of Masters
Robert Curry
Robert Curry is a renowned specialist in designing women’s fashion, celebrated for his mastery in draping and patternmaking.
With a commitment to craftsmanship, Curry emphasises that while aesthetics are subjective, the quality of construction is paramount. Known for his innovative techniques, he has collaborated with illustrious designers like Julien Macdonald and Jean Paul Gaultier, and worked as a couture dressmaker for Vivienne Westwood, contributing to couture and runway collections. He currently consults for Jean Paul Gaultier at their Haute Couture Atelier in Paris while co-founding the label "Unobilie", creating designs that challenge traditional fit and silhouette through subversive, geometric construction.
As a decorated educator with over 22 years of experience, Curry has significantly influenced fashion education. He served as an Associate Director of 3D Design at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, and helped develop construction, draping, and pattern making courses. His academic contributions extend internationally, as he served as a curriculum advisor and a visiting external examiner at Polimoda, Italy, and has given lectures in conjunction with a Vivenne Westwood exhibition (2008) and an Yves Saint Laurent exhibition (2009) at the De Young Museum, San Francisco.
Currently, Curry is authoring a book series on fashion design, focusing on geometric foundations and experimental techniques. His work continues to push the boundaries of design, blending artistry with technical precision.
Simon Ungless
Simon Ungless, a Central Saint Martins graduate with distinction, began his career in 1992 with a pivotal collaboration with Lee Alexander McQueen, co-creating the influential "Taxi Driver" collection that helped launch the Alexander McQueen brand. Ungless was instrumental in numerous McQueen collections, such as “Nihilism” and “The Highland Rape”.In 1996, he introduced Sarah Burton to McQueen, who would later become the brand's creative director.
Ungless moved to California to establish the Fashion School at the Academy of Art University, further impacting fashion education globally, including roles at Arizona State University and Polimoda. In 2002, he became the creative director of Member Holiday, a Korean contemporary brand, overseeing its significant expansion.
Returning to Alexander McQueen in 2020, Ungless contributed to the print direction for key collections. By Fall 2022, he was consulting for the "Rebel Fashion – 30 Years of London Fashion" exhibition, curating pieces from the "Taxi Driver" collection.
With a 35-year career spanning design, brand development, and marketing, Ungless has collaborated with prestigious brands like Givenchy and Nike. He currently operates two sustainable design companies, “When Simon Met Ralph” and “Blackened”, under the U.N. Production banner, with his collections available at Atelier Jolie, NY.
Highlights
Over 2,000 fashion enthusiasts gathered to witness this spectacular showcase. Various creations on half and full size mannequins by Robert Curry and Simon Ungless captivated guests with 3D cutting and contemporary prints.
Mr. Kevin Yeung, Chairman of Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association, commenced the exhibition by shedding some inspiring light on utilising 3D cutting in this digital age. Ms. Katherine Fang, Chairman of HKTDC Garment Advisory Committee, shared her insight on how 3D cutting elevates the Hong Kong fashion design industry to new heights. Other guests of honour also lent the exhibition their prestigious support and engagement.
