I had this idea when I first arrived in China. Living then in Yangshou I befriended a man who bought and sold these beautiful weavings in his shop
that he called “Vanishing Tribes.” I have been trying ever since to find a Chinese designer I could work with on this idea. I have sincerely tried with four already, they simply do not get it.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Unity in Diversity
Old – New
East – West
New Synthesis for a United World
The Antaeus Organization (TAO) is launching its new line of MAGIC Creations — Multi-ethnic Attire Generating International Cooperation Creations.
We intend to use the manificent weavings of the Chinese Minority Nationalities as accent pieces on elegant stylish garments. These beautiful pieces of woven ethnic art will be crafted into beautifully tailored garments of the most exquisite clothing material such as silk georgette crepe, washable velvet, merino wool, sueded cotton, …
Some of China’s most significant crafts are now mainly produced by those most marginalized by modernization. Our MAGIC Creations provide an opportunity for local culture to enter the global mainstream—it provides a platform for the works of these ethnic cultures to be brought to the rest of the world not as museum artifacts but as products of cultural synergy which are contemporary and commercially viable.
We will create designs that are accepted by the fashion marketplace—expensive garments using antique embroidery (30-100 years old) and as well as more every day affordable clothing using modern embroidery.
We see our designs filling a need for something modern and wearable with an oriental elegance.
TASKS TIMELINE
Identify partners (designers, financial, production…etc.) by
Source of “weavings” by
Source of fabrics by
Project costs and sales by
Produce “prototypes” by
Develop intitial marketing strategy—
Direct Sales & Outlet strategies by
Develop Full “Buzz” Plan. by
“Launch Event” by
Game Plan
Upon my return to Shanghai, I will initiate talks with designers, tailors, bulk fabric outlets. I will plan to have some prototype samples produced. I will also go to Yangshuo to visit and re-inforce my connections with the vendors of the minority weavings with whom I am acquainted. I am planning by mid- November, to have some prototypes made, and a business plan and a marketing strategy developed. A Special “Launch Event” is anticipated in time for the beginning of the “holiday “season.
Principals:
David B. Sutton, President of The Antaeus Organization (TAO), is a human ecologist, biological philosopher, artist and writer with whimsical, evolutionary and earth-centered biases. He is dedicated to life-long learning about the Earth’s essential life-support systems, and the intimate connection between the health of the planet and its people. For twenty years, he has developed socially and environmentally responsible educational programs and ecological approaches to product design, conservation, sustainable enterprises, and cultural synergy and integral health efforts throughout the world.
An obdurate dreamer and old-fashion romantic and idealist, he is dedicated to the Taoist practice of the “celestial knight.” He is an active, energetic, enthusiastic person, an avid basketball player and dancer in excellent health.