COUNTER-COUTURE:::RENE' BRETON MAKEOVER

AHOY MATIES! Welcome aboard! We have set a voyage before you in this installment of ART-ECO in which you shall be introduced to uncharted territories. The images you shall take with you are from the movement in Re-Created fashions termed, "COUNTER-COUTURE". As well, you shall be a witness to the transformation of a band...RENE' BRETON!

The deck has been swabbed, the bridge is at ready position, your accommodations are prepared, the band is assembled and the ballroom floor is open..."Shall we dance?" BON VOYAGE!

COUTURE- The high-fashion clothing created by designers; designing, making and selling of highly fashionable, usually custom made clothing.

What you are witnessing is "Couture for the Counter-Culture's New Renaissance Kids"!

This journey begins with our honored guests, RENE' BRETON, the muse currently based in Nashville, TN...but not for long! Our subjects are Ryan Hurtgen (composer), Tobin Sio (drums), and Nicole Taher (manager). What we have overcome is the challenge of a makeover. The garments featured are COUNTER-COUTURE by :::donovan:::swick::: of ART-ECO. The offering presented before you each have a life all their own and a story to tell. Each of the ensembles represented here include the recreation process of high-fashion vintage pieces with embellishments of reclaimed high -end fabrics, leathers and jewelry orchestrated into individual requiems of style. All are hand-made, hand-sewn and personally chosen to reveal the hidden person inside of each member of RENE' BRETON.

Enjoy?! CHEERS!

...all photos by Carie Thompson...
cariephoto@gmail.com

before...Tobin/Ryan/Nicole

after: Tobin/Nicole/Ryan

before: Tobin

after: Tobin (front)

after: Tobin (rear)

before: Ryan

after: Ryan (front)

after: Ryan (rear)

after: Ryan (front)

after: Ryan (rear)

before: Nicole

after: Nicole

THANK YOU RENE' BRETON!

"I GET BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS"

You may be wondering, "What in the @#+% is ART-ECO?" Simply put it is a movement in Art and Ecology where, based on their relationship to one another, the two become one flesh. In last month’s feature you were introduced to this concept in the art-form of jewelry made from repurposed objects. Well, that medium only scratches the surface of this unlimited form of expression. I intend to take you on an adventurous journey through the lands of the highest peaks, most glorious shores, serenest valleys, and most mysterious terrains of this art-form. However, for now, let us start here in good ol’ Knoxville, Tennessee!
The objet d’ art featured here tells a story all its own…This first in a series of tables is crafted from 100% recycled materials cultivated from the heart of Downtown Knoxville. If you look closely at the base of this table you should notice that there is what looks like very old floor trusses. You are correct! As a matter of fact this wood was being thrown away during the remodel of the old JFG Factory on West Jackson Avenue in the Old City. I simply asked the foreman if I could haul off the trash for him and save him the extra expense of several trips of full construction site dumpsters. He said, "Certainly!" and Bada Bing, I was halfway home on my design. So, I call my buddy Chris Horton and say, "please get your flatbed down here now, I’ll explain later!" He did. "I get by with a little help from my friends." Unbelievable, because this wood was over 300 years old Heart of Pine cut into solid planks measuring over 3 inches thick, close to 2 feet wide and spanning up to 30 feet long, just being thrown away! I held on to this wood for two years due to its scarcity.
The quest was not complete as I wanted to mix 2 types of wood for this particular design. I was in search of two oversized solid wood doors from the turn of the century to be the icing on the cake (top of the table). Lo and behold as I found help from another friend, Daniel Schuh, who had such doors left over from one of his Historic North Knoxville Homes. Ahhh…now to the drawing board! So next is the design. This is the part I personally enjoy the most. I execute the drawing, call another friend, Terry Martin, and show him the design. He takes over and in a few days we have what you see below. Note that Terry built the piece and also did the faux crocodile finish based on my specifications. I simply love this process and hope you at least appreciate it as well. Just like a symphony…many distinct pieces and players coming together in harmony. ENCORE!

"VINTAGE-EMOTION"

Fashion: the one form of art that seems to drive the bus in the entire industry of aesthetics. On top of that you add the wonders of vintage and you can surmise quickly the influence it has on what we see today. Designers these days are searching through the archives of history to find patterns, fabrics, products and materials that can be reinterpreted and modernized. As a result we are beginning to see new forms of old. Color studies that were ahead of their time way back when are regularly seen on the new products of upholstered goods we have grown to love in our homes of late. Look at how many clothing designers, namely Ralph Lauren, who now have their own furniture collections. It doesn't take long to do the math and see that this equation equals success.

Fashion sets the tone within the music industry. Consider the iconic ensembles adorned by the likes of Elvis, Madonna, Frank Sinatra and even Michael Jackson. Then pay attention to what shows up on the runways, and eventually ends up on your very own sofa. The most wonderful thing, in my opinion, about vintage is the principle of timelessness that it instills. Almost all of art is cyclical. Classics endure. But sometimes, the extraordinary (even the flamboyant) shine out from the crowd and turn your head. Styles evoke emotions. Styles are born from emotions. Emotions are like the wind as they come and go, sometimes barely noticed and other times forces to be reckoned with and subdued by in our lives. Vintage is that "Peaceful Easy Feeling" that we can all hum along with and end up smiling. And as I have covered previously, when used properly it is extremely responsible. So, look in your closet and see just what treasures may be hidden once you look at that garment with "Betty Davis Eyes."

Pictures from the Sanctuary Vintage Fashion Show

THIS IS PERSONAL- SNEAK "PEAK"

Above is a first look at a personal design I have had produced locally as a prototype for my line. It is made exclusively out of reclaimed American hardwoods. I worked with an artisan by the name of Andrew Heneise, originally from Alaska, to bring this beauty from concept to reality. The woods are Wormy White Oak and Black Walnut. The joinery is real and the top of the legs are wrapped with acid etched copper bands. What you see is what you get with this one. It has a story to tell, and if you listen closely you may catch a tune from days gone by coursing through its veins.

Reclaiming materials, or salvaging, is my approach to design for all of my personal pieces. This is another aspect of the name "ART-ECO." If you look at my logo, the "SWICK" one, you may notice a little twist. If you turn the logo upside-down, you shall discover a new way to read the initials that further describes what I do. It becomes "KCIMS". This stands for "Knoxville's Couture Industry of Materials Salvaged." Who knew?

FASHION FORWARD - SNEAK "PEAKS"

"Old Glory" has never looked better. Patriotism and fashion salute one another as the "Star Spangled Banner" is represented on this glorious leather sofa by Old Hickory Tannery.

I saw several flag-themed pieces of upholstery at this past market. From the Union Jack of Great Britain to the Drapeau Tricolore of France, from the Bandiera of Italy to the Stars and Stripes of the U.S.A., the forging of streamers onto items of everyday use was evident. Patriots can fly their colors inside their personal forts as well as outside on the standard flagpole.

I could see one of these in the Oval Office: You think? Perhaps President Obama should give me a call so we could set up an appointment. I could help him out, no question. I'm just sayin'...

Here is a behind the scenes look at a fashion forward design by Old Hickory Tannery Furniture. http://www.ohtfurniture.com/ This ravishing banquette can and should be used in a multitude of applications. It is shown here in this extravagant white patent leather with zebra hide toss pillows. When I saw this piece I had to take a seat. Again, we have another interpretation of the classic Chesterfield style that I have been fixated on as of late.

CASUAL ELEGANCE - SNEAK "PEAKS"

This will be a "quickie" from "Swickey". Who says you can't have elegance on a budget? This sofa by Robin Bruce, aptly named "Donovan", is a favorite new item of mine for several reasons. Now, I know what you are thinking, and it is not just because we share the same name. But that doesn't hurt it one bit. This sofa is classic, fresh, responsible and a bit of casual mixed with elegance. This style is often found in leather however it is upholstered here in a natural washed linen: Very Eco. It is attainable. It is comfortable. Most importantly, it is made right here in the "good ol' U.S. of A."

I am a big fan of reinterpretation styles. I personally wear a lot of vintage clothing on a regular basis. I particularly love the blue flame-stitch fabric ottoman as well. This blue was also a huge color for the Spring Market. Oh, by the way, this photo was taken at the Rowe/Robin Bruce showroom of the High Point Spring Market. Thank you to Sean O and all of the gang! For more information go to http://www.rowefurniture.com/ . Now, back to this discussion. Vintage is beautiful as it represents a wonderful story in design. We take something that is considered worthless by one person, given away or thrown out, and it becomes new again when discovered by the right person. Sounds like my life. It is spiritual in a way; in a good way. It is like the old record your parents stored in the attic that you may have come across, only to find that it was a doorway into another realm of your life, as you dance the night away. Such is the wonder of vintage.

This is a small glimmer of the meaning behind this blog: "ART-ECO". For more insights and behind the scenes looks, please stay tuned.