Bespoke Pirate, HDI, Hannover, 2022

Moscow in November 1922, five years after the Russian Revolution. The future belonged to the artists. The Russian artist Warvara Stepanova designed a two-piece suit made of robust wool for her husband, Alexander Rodchenko. Its silhouette was dynamic; the pockets, waistband, button plackets, collar, sleeves, and trouser cuffs were reinforced with leather. The prototype for the comrades would, of course, have to be unisex.

Taking Alexander Rodchenko's work suit as an example, the "Bespoke Pinstripe" and "Casual Pirate" models propose an update of the historical model that plays through variations between "official, elegant" and a casual version" (for the home office). Also displayed is the series "8-Caps-a-Week," a contemporary unisex headwear for every day of the week. These garments are installed on mannequins located by the watercourse, as well as within the display cabinet at the side entrance of the atrium. Also presented within the display cabinet are reconstructions of historical posters and contemporary fashion accessories, such as baseball caps and a fan scarf. These new accessories are thus anchored within a historical context. In this way, the presentation oscillates between a fashion show, a moodboard, and museum documentation.