Max Bell
Design Statement
His collection, ‘Transfiguration’, originally stems from the way Brutalist architecture spaces, commonly cold and geometric, have been transformed with plants and organic matter to create an interesting dichotomy. He translates this to his collection through viewing it as a growing canvas with the collection beginning as a geometric and technological based looks to then morphing into an ethereal and organic look with the garments being taken over by moss slowly growing on the collection.
He has depicted this moss through the rug making process of tufting, highlighting the differing greens and levels throughout through a mastery of these skills. These processes are then depicted onto silhouettes commonly within the gorpcore aesthetic further promoting the outdoor element of the collection. Max utilises a series of ripstop fabrics and technical style nylons commonly associated with the outdoors which is juxtaposed by the wool yarn of the tufting promoting themes of renewability and nature.
FRAME
Look 1
The collection begins with ‘Frame’, an exploration of lines to create wireframes on and off the body. This is accompanied by the bones of the collection...
FRAME
Renew
Look 2
‘Renew’
marks the beginning of the Transformation process as the moss begins its growth throughout the garments.
ReNew
You wake in a sea of wires, loosely wrapped around each limb each connected to a server littered around the room. Its clear this room is important yet you have a feeling no one has been inside it in quite a few years. As you exit you realise this building is but a relic of the past as the technology has been overgrown by an organic moss which is slowly encompassing everything around you including yourself.
Apex
Look 3
The nature order has reached its final moment before taking over completely.
Elements of both sides remain but despite that they work harmoniously
APEX
RANGE PLAN
Discover
Look 4
The nature order has realised its newfound control and power over its enviornment, with this influence it creates a mimic of itself
discover
Restore
Look 5
The narrative concludes with the penultimate look completely overgrown with the moss texture. It highlights a return to an environment fulfilled with nature and its harmonious relationship with society.
Restore
Max Bell
Max Bell is a Naarm/Melbourne based multidisciplinary artist specializing in innovative functional wear. By combining couture-level techniques with unconventional fabrics and processes, Max aims to create designs that stand out in the fashion industry. His commitment to continuous learning and development allows him to bring unique insights to his work. As a finalist in the Fashion in the Fields competition, a participant in Melbourne Fashion Week and an award winner of the ‘Best Innovation of Yarn’ at Fleece to Fashion. Max has gained valuable experience and recognition in the fashion world.
Creative Bio
