WHEN TWO WORLDS COLLIDE - FASHION MEETS ART

The Industry looks at the recent trend for art/fashion collaborations.

Conspiracy between art and fashion is nothing new. In the 1920s Salvador Dalí created dresses for the likes of Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli, illustrating how even back then designers and their artistic contemporaries were well aware of the commercial benefits of collaboration.

However London's Olympic year seems to be spurning a whole new wave of conjoined efforts between the two sectors. As Britain looks to celebrate its creative talent, commemorative initiatives across the capital have called upon designers to get involved in more conceptual and often abstract projects. "We want to show the city at its creative best in 2012 and these intriguing collaborations will bring together some of the most exciting designers and artists working in Britain today", explains the Mayor of London. Boris Johnson – along with Industry member Harold Tillman – has been spearheading one of the year's most notable art/fashion collaborations. Named Britain Creates 2012: Fashion + Art Collusion, the initiative pairs up some of Britain's leading visual artists and fashion designers in the commission of a series of works that look towards London's Olympic values. Jonathan Saunders – also an Industry member – has been teamed up with Jess Flood-Paddock for the project.

Another member of The Industry, Corrie Nielsen has also been getting creative for Britain. Recently Corrie was commissioned by BTArtBox to makeover the iconic British phone box, which is currently being auctioned on eBay in aid of Childline.

Alongside Britain Creates, this London-based initiative has been designed to represent the cultural zeitgeist at a pivotal time. Collaborations such as this couldn't be more timely, resonating with consumers as they inject a new sense of innovation into a expedient business opportunity.