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JOHN COBURN
INTRODUCING RELEASE 04
ART OF AFFIRMATION
When we speak our deepest dreams, hopes and ambitions, we set the wheels in motion to discover a new reality. At the turn of the season, this is the feeling we crave the most. There is a freshness in the air that dares us to put on a show for the world to see. And as the performance concludes and the curtain falls, we brace for an encore. This spring, MANNING CARTELL celebrates a new collection: Art of Affirmation. Drawing influences from Australian artist John Coburn’s iconic work ‘Curtain of the Moon’, as well as nods to the late ‘60s and a dash of‘90s nostalgia, it invites the artist in all of us to be set free.
DISCOVER THE NEW COLLECTION
From crisp white tailoring to shimmering sequins and pops of lime and aqua, the latest arrivals are cast in a colour palette that explores the intersection of fashion and art. According to Cheryl Manning, “Using art in fashion is a way to spark joy, adding optimistic colour to life”. This sentiment rings true, especially where bold print work peppers the new-season collection.
INFLUENCES AND DESIGN NOTES
“The Curtain of The Moon'' provides inspiration for MANNING CARTELL’s latest collection. This momentous piece by John Coburn adorned the stage of the Sydney Opera House’s Drama Theatre in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. Weighing almost sixty kilos and measuring five metres high and seventeen metres wide, it sees Coburn’s signature use of symbolic abstract shapes and bold colours. Its blue background represents the night sky, with lunar-inspired motifs highlighting the phases of the shimmering moon. This imagery is suggested in platinum mirror sequin jersey and pops of lime, mint and russet brown seen throughout the new season collection. Cheryl unpacks the process behind translating art into fashion: “When using art in fashion, it is up to the designers how they envisage the art on the body. There is a lot to consider. To start with, you need to decide if you want to use the full artwork or crop into a section. Scale and repeat is the next thing to play with. There is really a lot of trial and error before finding what works best on the body. A piece of art on a wall can be incredible but it doesn’t always translate into fashion”.
WHO IS JOHN COBURN?
John Coburn was an Australian painter, tapestry designer and abstract printmaker. Known for his tactile works brimming with dynamic shapes and raucous colour, he had a simple philosophy: to express his feelings about nature and the world. “My relationship with John’s daughter Kristin led me to look into his works a little closer,” shares Cheryl. “I had just started a painting course at the SOFA in Mosman run by Kristin. We were exploring abstract artists, working with how colour plays on our emotions. I found that there was a strong connection with John’s work and how he used vivid colour in brilliant combinations to give life and energy to his canvas,” she adds. For MANNING CARTELL, the Artist in Residence program involves a collaboration between the design team and an artist of interest. Studying Coburn’s works was a natural and organic process, which led to bringing his work to life as a living art form. “Working with John’s art, it was integral to keep it recognisable,” Cheryl says. “Colours and shapes had to mimic the original artwork. Kristin gave us pantone colours in order to make sure they were spot on,” she adds.
HOW-TO STYLE THE COLLECTION
A collection that can truly be styled from day-to-night, Cheryl reflects on how pieces integrate into new-season wardrobes with ease. “The prints are a standout, the colours are very optimistic and the pieces are purposely designed to be simple silhouettes to show off the art,” she says.
LUXE EVERYDAY DRESSING
Elevate your 9-to-5 wardrobe with elegant pieces in neutral hues. The Face To Face Blouse and Face To Face Cami can be easily mixed-and-matched with tailored pants, sleek skirts and even denim. Pair the off-white hue with tonal separates or let it bring an understated touch to bolder pieces from the collection.
DENIM DONE DIFFERENTLY
For a twist on a wardrobe classic, add pieces from the Quilted Denim story to your everyday rotation.
There is something so fun in taking a known fabric, cut or colourway and turning it on its head.
Indulge in a modern denim-on-denim-on-denim moment or let these pieces splice timeless tailoring
and modern basics.
A MOMENT OF CELEBRATION
Nothing says ‘let’s celebrate’ like a touch of sparkle. The Platinum Queen story is the perfect starting point for building party-ready ensembles. Stride confidently into spring soirees in thesesilver-tone pieces.
Not for the faint hearted, they will cast a spotlight and make for an unforgettable evening.
FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL
When the invitation calls for something a little more special, turn your attention to the tones and textures of the Supreme Extreme Dress in black or sage. The Supreme Extreme Strapless Gown also makes for a head-turning choice. Whether you’re a member of a bridal party or a treasured guest, the Beauty Master Off-Shoulder Dress and Beauty Master Midi Dress are hard to ignore. And for those who really want to make their mark, the Neon Heart Dress is sure to break some hearts on the dance floor.
Embracing the new season is about embracing your personality whole-heartedly.
Discover MANNING CARTELL’s new arrivals and let the Art of Affirmation be known.