Inspired by the great French artist Jean Dubuffet, Maria Francesca Pepe attempts to merge her signature massive, breastplate-like jewelry with clothing and accessories in her latest collection, Art Brut. "These works created from solitude and from pure and authentic creative impulses - where the worries of competition, acclaim, and social promotion do not interfere - are, because of these very facts, more precious than the productions of professions," the great Dubuffet once exclaimed. Known for his reverence of Art Brut, or "raw/outsider" art (he was an avid collector of works created by prisoners, mental patients, and children), so Pepe is exploring areas where decoration becomes functional, and the functional, decorative. "For me, fashion is about analogies between different worlds, making something functional unfunctional, and vice versa," she recently explained to Elle magazine. Translation: striking black and white print tube-like dresses; punkish tees; ruby red silk cropped jackets, organically-shaped jewelry crafted from black hematite, sterling silver and ruby zircon; vintage'y yet high tech bags; and those stunning oversize metal lock necklaces. Purchasing info at MFPepe.com.
- Lesley Scott
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