A Paris Essex “Crazy Blanket” represents a visual dialogue between creative partners Clewer and de Lussy; the two take it in turns to play with crochet and knit, using luxurious blends of mohair, wool and super-synthetics.
‘Jamboree’ introduces a series of knitted artworks from the world of Paris Essex. This cavalcade of characters has been inspired by the juxtaposition of playful fantasy and strange reality. Taking influences from different forms of cultural memorabilia: nostalgia for cartoon characters, pop music, art, graphics and carnivals. Names reflect an imaginary, multi-coloured world inhabited by characters derived from popular culture. Titles and inspirations are taken from songs, cartoons and artworks.
Each blanket is individually created by the duo, taking on its own personality as it grows organically and fluidly. Gently subverting the familiar, the process is more akin to collage or patchwork than meticulously planned design. The yarns are used like paint: colours are vibrant and bold, from a palette of primaries, neons and offbeat pastels.
Founded by Carolyn Clewer, the Essex girl and Parisienne, Tiphaine de Lussy, Paris Essex is the result of years of collaboration between the two knitwear and textiles specialists, which began 30 years ago at the Royal College of Art, London. Paris Essex revisits the craft and clichés of knitting and crochet, playing with combinations of hand and machine techniques. The partnership has a long history rooted in fashion, with an archive including knitwear and accessory collections and collaborations. They share a visual language and are drawn to the materials, processes and pace of fashion, the continual reinvention and juxtaposition of ideas. The latest chapter of this adventure is the creation of narratives in a space where distinctions between craft, design, high art and low culture are blurred. Paris Essex work has recently been exhibited in London, Paris, Hangzhou, Colchester, Milan, Barcelona and Los Angeles.
