selling illusions

In Paradise Kiss (by Ai Yazawa), Arashi states that clothing designers aren't illusionists selling dreams; that George needs to be more practical. This made sense the first few times I'd read Paradise Kiss, though it made me sad. However, over the summer of 2008, I decided that I wanted to be like George and was tired of trying to compromise my vision for what I thought people might want to wear. I wanted to create illusions. Somewhere, someone wanted to see the very things that were being diluting or even wear them. SYR+ISM was truly born on that day.

Performance entered the picture around the same time and I was given an opportunity to try this fledgling idea at a Masquerade ball. The concept was archetype-based rather than theme or story-based. With each show I aspire to draw the audience more into the particular world created by the show - a suspension of disbelief.

Collaborations are key - there are several artists I work with often, but am interested in new opportunities. Click here to learn about collaborations.

(ForFAQ, click here.)


photo above right: ADAM JOHNSON, brockit inc.

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