Birdman-Birdwoman

Jewellery design / Fashion design / Exhibitions

Christophe Coppens shows his latest accessories collection in a rather unconventional way, theatrically caged and displayed as an art exhibition at Droog Amsterdam.

By Cassandra Pizzey / 23-09-2010

Belgian conceptual fashion designer Christophe Coppens – who was trained as a theatre actor and director - isn’t averse to a little drama, which is why his 2011 winter collection of accessories is on show in the form of an art exhibition. Until 17 October 2010 Coppens’ collection will be on exhibition and available for purchase at Droog Amsterdam.

The winter collection comprises accessories including hats, scarves, necklaces and brooches, all inspired by the theme ‘birds’. “I created Birdwoman and Birdman,” says Coppens. “The idea is that we as humans take over a bird’s best qualities; the safety and protection of the feathers and nest, the colours and of course the freedom.”

The collection combines an assortment of almost macabre items complemented with a set of brightly coloured, almost whimsical accessories for men and women. Forming the collection are a number of black pieces with a somewhat gothic feel, including hats featuring a skull relief, a brooch in the form of a bird’s head and scarves with a skeleton print. On the other side of the spectrum are vibrant, colourful items that wouldn’t look out of place on a tropical island, such as a parrot head-shaped hat and a scarf featuring the text, ‘One day I’ll fly away’ in kingfisher blue. “The biggest challenge was getting all the pieces ready on time,” states Coppens about the large number of items – there are over 65 different pieces – that comprise Birdman-Birdwoman.

Displayed on arrangements of stark white chairs, the bold colours and soft black feathers that characterize this collection are given extra emphasis. Other pieces are displayed perched in cages, somewhat reminiscent of a household pet. “I have always liked Droog’s work,” explains Coppens about their collaboration. And what about the caged pieces? “Don’t worry, you can always fly away from it all!”

Christophe Coppens’ exhibition in 2009 ‘No Reference’ was hosted by Platform 21, Amsterdam. Read about it here.

Photos courtesy of Christophe Coppens and Droog