The Crisiswear Lab is based in Chicago, we design out of Chicago and Boston.
The Players:
Matt Deponte (aka Flux) as Mastermind,
Nicole Deponte as Co-Designer and Accessories Mastermind, and
Koko Paulli as Surface Magician and Co-Designer.
The History:
Matt also known to his clients as "Flux" has been designing and selling apparel
under his Crisiswear label for the past 10 years. What was first created as industrial
post-apocolyptic survival gear evolved into crafting a futuristic version of a tailored
Steampunk attitude and providing cutting-edge wear for bike messengers.
Flux is currently doing custom work for a wide audience including an eclectic
array of fire performers and a high profile clientele. Nicole's jewelry company,
toadtree studios, creates one of a kind accessories by tinkering with an obsession
for vintage buttons. Twins Matt and Nicole joined forces a year ago to launch
Crisiswear's first woman's wholesale clothing and accessories collection.
With the help of their amazing silkscreener/co-designer, Koko Paulli, Crisiswear is fashion now.
The Mission:
Crisiswear's muse: fashion, form, function
"Now is a critical time in our history. Now is the time for a re-evolution, to transform the fashion industry forever."
Crisiswear is superiorly made, double stitched and handcrafted to last the
wear and tear of an active lifestyle. By utilizing natural and performance fabrics
and layering, Crisiswear stands up to the earth's elements, while protecting and providing comfort.
"THIS IS NOT FASHION"
"This Is Not Fashion" is an exhibit of photographs by David Alsdorf that explores
and problematizes the category of fashion photography. The images combine familiar
fashion iconography with photographic styles that are usually extrinsic to the subject –
such as the criminal mug shot – in order to raise questions about how we read and
categorize pictures. The presentation also uses hand-drawn and photographic superimpositions
to comment on the depersonalization of fashion models.
The series features many Boston-based models in clothing provided by Turtle.
This is Not Fashion opens for Boston Fashion Week on Friday, September 19,
with a reception at Turtle from 5-7 PM. The opening continues during South End Open Studios,
Saturday September 20 – Sunday September 21. The exhibit will remain on display through Sunday, October 19.
