Kim Gush

Figure 1.1

Figure 1.2

Figure 1.3

Figure 1.4

Figure 1.5

  "To understand where we are today, we need to explore where we came from." (Kim Gush 2012)

This motto is what upcoming fashion designer Kim Gush lives by. I chose her for this entry because her work contains several elements of symbolic meaning. I am also intrigued by the way that she expresses herself and her passion for what she does and believes in. The purpose of this blog is to explore what designers, Kim Gush specifically, use as inspiration, where they get it from and why they use it. Alison Lurie claims that clothes are almost the equivalent of words and sentences. She suggests there are many different languages of attire, each with its own grammar and vocabulary, whose meaning can be read almost as if one, were looking at a book (Lurie 1992:4). 

Kim Gush is famous for creating unique ranges that can almost be described as art. Her background in film and costume enables and also inspires her to create something innovative. Gush has a passion for ancient cultures and histories. Therefore her range, The Immortality of Divine Rule (A/W 2012) was created.  She drew inspiration from the Chinese terracotta army. 

Gush states that the story tells of the sacrifice and burial of soldiers, mistresses and workmen in order to create the emperor’s ideal afterlife. Her range signifies a visual plethora of the creatures that may be resurrected from this tomb. (Gush 2012)

Gush aims to inspire young fashion designers to think out of the box. “Always offer something new and creative” (Gush, 2012).  

When I look at this range, without any prior knowledge of its origins and inspirations it comes forth as something extremely innovative, brave, fresh and even provocative. It also has strong Gothic elements. These elements are clearly noted in her choice of colors, fabrics, and styling. Even the soundtrack that was used when creating the film aspect of the range was dark and mysterious.

There are also several silhouettes and shapes that represents past fashions. I have also noticed certain masculine vs. feminine elements. This will then refer to aspects of the present where women borrow from men’s closets and vice versa. The cowl neckline or the robe/dress garments refers to an aspect of femininity. Therefore the symbolic meaning behind the range and the purpose there of is clear.

Gush aims to inspire people to be more experimental, not only with their clothing but with everything that goes with it.

She is an aspiring young fashion talent that South Africa is yet to experience to the fullest. We hope to see more of her work in the future.

Sune de Beer

12.04.2012