Bubblegum Club

Tag: Amsterdam

  • Daily Paper // transcending borders with their latest women’s collection

    Daily Paper // transcending borders with their latest women’s collection

    The Amsterdam-based lifestyle and streetwear brand Daily Paper present their third women’s collection as part of their “Transcend Borders” Spring/Summer 18 campaign. Founded by Jefferson Osei, Hussein Suleiman and Abderrahmane Trabsini, who have their roots in Ghana, Somalia and Morocco, aim for every collection to have an element that pays homage to their cultural homes.

    In an interview with the Head of Design at Daily Paper, Berivan Cemal, she explained that this collection was built on the idea of transcending expectations. The idea came from a conversation she had with Jefferson, Hussein and Abderrahmane about their travels and global connections. Related to this was a larger discussion about why we seek relationships with people across the globe and how it is possible to identify with people from different countries.

    Conceptually, the collection also makes a comment on how bodies are governed through the use of passports and documents that are necessary for the policing of borders. “We challenge a system that aims to keep us within boxes and borders.” The collection tells a story that is influenced by globalization, with the intention of putting an end to ideas like racism and truly embracing multiculturalism. The focus on eroding borders has always been part of the Daily Paper DNA, but it was with the SS18 collection that they engaged in this conversation intensely. “We want the youth to talk to each other. If a conversation arises from someone noticing a print on a t-shirt then so be it. We realize that these kids are the future and they love to express their identity through clothing.”

    Oversized silhouettes, taking the form of trousers, blazers, pullovers and a statement snake-skin set, exhibits a revolving activewear theme with tracksuits and printed shirts all making noteworthy appearances.

    The editorial plays on afrofuturistic aesthetics, where shadows create a cryptic, other-worldly mood, visually tapping into the idea of transcending borders. Reflecting on the shoot, Berivan stated that she loves “when something looks beautiful and glamorous from afar and up close you discover small elements of surprise. We wanted it to seem like it was shot in a studio but reality, it’s a beautiful colored wall outside, taking advantage of Africa’s beautiful lighting. I wanted to create something only possible in South Africa, something only feasible with a team of amazing creative locals.”

    Check out the Daily Paper website to get a hold of this new collection.

    Credits
    Photography: Jamal Nxedlana
    Art Direction: Jamal Nxedlana & Berivan Cemal
    Styling: Berivan Cemal & Jamal Nxedlana
    Hair: Yonela Makoba
    Make Up: Nuzhah Jacobs
    Produced by: Bubblegumclub & Berivan Cemal
    Photography Assistant: Andrew Aichison
    Styling Assistant: Sarah Hugo-Hamman
    Models: Ideline Akimana and Gina Jeanz 

  • Hanneke van Leeuwen // A sculptural approach to photography

    Hanneke van Leeuwen // A sculptural approach to photography

    I had a conversation with Dutch photographer Hanneke van Leeuwen about her work and the time she spent visiting Johannesburg.

    Growing up with a mother who is a sculptor, Hanneke always knew she was going to take on some kind of creative practice. When she was 15 she received her first analogue camera as a gift from her mother, and began shooting portraits of her friends and other parts of her everyday life. She converted part of her room into a dark room to be able to develop the images herself. From these images she put together a portfolio and went to art school.

    Unsure of how to move forward with her passion after school, Hanneke began assisting other photographers which allowed her to fulfill her love for travelling. Five years ago she met photographer Viviane Sassen and was given the opportunity to become her first assistant. She expressed with gratitude that working with Viviane has helped her push passed the initial creative barrier she faced and has enabled her to find a direction for her own work.

    For Hanneke photography is like telling a story in short lines, like a poem. In explaining how she lets these stories unfolds she stated that, “I don’t think of a concept before I take them [photographs]. I just create them in the camera or afterwards in collages.”. Taking influence from her mother’s way of looking at human bodies, Hanneke creates her photographs in a sculptural way. With 20th century Surrealism as another point of reference, she constructs collages with her photographs, allowing her work to transcend the 2D surface. “I love the texture of skin. I love the texture of fabric, of the paper,” Hanneke expressed. The viewer is able to see the tape she uses the piece her collages together, creating more layers.

    She enjoys working collaboratively with other artists.  “I want to share things. I want to create with other people,” she expresses. With a desire for creatives to help each other more, Hanneke was encouraged by the collaborative energy that she witnessed while spending time in Johannesburg. “It is so special that people here are aware of their backgrounds and they can create something together.”.

    Among other things Hanneke is going to be working with Parisian artist Caroline Denervaud on a collaborative project that will be coming out in May/June.

    To check out more of Hanneke’s work look her up on Instagram or on her website.