BLOOD -[bluhd]
The line known as SKINGRAFT takes on a whole new embodiment of it’s name this SS 2015 season. A skin graft in the medical world is of course just what the name states – grafting skin.The word “graft” is defined as a a portion of living tissue surgically transplanted from one part of an individual to another, or from one individual to another, for its adhesion and growth. I will spare you the graphic medical photos on this one.
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Jonny Cota’s line SKINGRAFT grow (no pun intended) ever since I first saw him present his collection in 2010 at LA Fashion Week. His style has slowly evolved from structured (borderline goth) leather to a lighter, sporty vibe. He still is very polished and his designs always keep me excited for what he will do next.
“Skingraft Spring is inspired by Santeria and Mexican prayer altars, and features a collaboration with NYC-based blood artist Jordan Eagles.” – Jonny Cota
My Clinical Laboratory Scientist heart just fluttered at the idea of blood being used for an inspiration for fashion. I worked with stem cells for five years before moving to focus on hemoglobinopathy and electrophoresis testing. Basically, I work with human blood on a daily basis. Artist Jordan Eagles uses animal blood procured from a slaughterhouse. The collaboration with SKINGRAFT is just one more example of science influencing fashion and in this case, science influencing both art and fashion. I recently asked Jordan how he and Jonny collaborated to create the designs in the SS2015 collection:
“We used hi-res details of my works and then also de-saturated the blood images to produce a black and white crackle pattern, focusing on the organic nature and shapes of the dried blood…this was in contrast to the vibrant red from my “Life Force” series. We also used details of blood soaked gauze.” – Jordan Eagles
[Images via JordanEagles.com]
Cota also collaborated with shoe designer Cinzia Araia on sneakers for the collection.
[Images via Cinzia Araia]
Front Row at SKINGRAFT included Perez Hilton, Whoopi Goldberg (I also saw her at Pamella Roland and Zang Toi), Ally Hilfiger, Stacey London, Skrillex, 2Chainz, and albino model Shaun Ross.
On a local note, Nashville has been seeing a number of our girls on the runways the past few seasons (Binx Walton @NEXT, Sarah Engelland @One Management, Renee Peters @Wilhemina). One of our girls from Amax Talent modeled for this Skingraft show. Congratulations, Shelby Priest @Trump.