DVF Studio expresses its creative energy with a host of cultural collaborations

The Diane Von Furstenberg label has come a long way since its founder became synonymous with vibrant prints and jersey wrap dresses. With the creative reins handed over to the brand’s first chief creative officer Jonathan Saunders in May last year, DVF has undergone an impressive rejuvenation that has reignited its name for a new generation.
In this spirit, the label recently launched a fresh initiative, 'DVF Studio', which invites emerging artists and designers to collaborate on a collection of one-off or limited edition objects. Ranging from artworks, ceramics, and textiles, these pieces are displayed within an evolving space that evokes the feeling of visiting an artist’s studio within the label’s key stores across the US. The special collection is also showcased alongside a curated selection of art books from London’s Carl Freedman Gallery, specialist magazines, vintage glassware, midcentury furniture and an edit of Levi’s and Reebok pieces to underline the label’s love for creative expression.
DVF invited Brooklyn-based artist Reinaldo Sanguino to take center stage in its Soho boutique in New York
‘The concept of DVF Studio came about as we were exploring creative collaborations and partnerships,’ says Saunders. ‘DVF’s heritage of colour and print speaks to so many creatives in different fields and I wanted to be able to build on that – collaboration is most powerful when the end result is bigger than the sum of its parts and creates something new and innovative.’
This week, the Venezuelan-born, Brooklyn-based artist Reinaldo Sanguino takes center stage in the label’s Soho boutique in New York with his robust, organically shaped ceramics that are easily recognised by their saturated, abstract designs, all painted freehand. ‘I love Reinaldo’s bold and expressive work, especially his use of colour. His freehand style is so personal and every piece is different,’ Saunders explains.
Inspired by the colour palette of DVF’s Autumn/Winter 2017 collection, Sanguino has used bold, painterly strokes to imbue his substantial pieces with clashing patterns, visual textures and an energetic playfulness - all DVF hallmarks - to wondrous effect.
‘The brand and I both have a sense of visual embracement and energy,’ says Sanguino, who was excited to give the label’s aesthetic an urban, multicultural twist. ‘Juxtaposing high and low cultural references is part of our vocabulary.’
Reinaldo Sanguino’s ceramics were inspired by DVF’s Autumn/Winter 2017 collection
His organically shaped ceramics are easily recognisable, with saturated, abstracted designs that are painted freehand
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Diane Von Furstenberg website. To RSVP to the Reinaldo Sanguino x DVF Studio launch event, visit the brand’s events page
ADDRESS
135 Wooster Street
New York
NY 10012
USA
Pei-Ru Keh is the US Editor at Wallpaper*. Born and raised in Singapore, she has been a New Yorker since 2013. Pei-Ru has held various titles at Wallpaper* since she joined in 2007. She currently reports on design, art, architecture, fashion, beauty and lifestyle happenings in the United States, both in print and digitally. Pei-Ru has taken a key role in championing diversity and representation within Wallpaper's content pillars and actively seeks out stories that reflect a wide range of perspectives. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children, and is currently learning how to drive.
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