Featured Artists:
Embarking on a new chapter at her shop, Jody aimed to make a lasting impression by introducing an unprecedented window display. She wanted to create a captivating collage that would bring imagination to life and set the stage for this exciting new era.
Jody sought the expertise of Carolyn Kenrick, an artist based in Sydney, who is known for her amazing multi-layered creations. Together, they developed a theme that combined Carolyn’s collage style with Jody’s vision for a fantasy-like display.
The window showcases cutout crocodiles, toy soldiers, clouds and an archway, with Jody’s amazing creations taking center stage.
Embarking on a new chapter at my new shop, I aimed to make a lasting impression by introducing an unprecedented window display. The idea of bringing a captivating collage to life, transforming imagination into a tangible spectacle, felt like the perfect way to set the stage for this exciting new era!
Jody Kahlon
Jody describes some of her processes below:
Because I have been working with lots of artists now, I find the best way to collaboration is to give them the space they need to come up with the piece for the collaboration. I contacted Carolyn through Instagram because a lot of her pieces featured dresses as primary elements. I just thought to myself one of her works could come alive as a window showpiece. She replied with equal enthusiasm and was keen to participate and went to work on a new piece straight away. She then presented her piece and some ideas which made me very excited! We were in sync from the get-go!
I’ve always had a dream of designing a suit that is not only versatile but also exudes elegance and timeless appeal. And guess what? The toy soldier window display allowed me the perfect opportunity! The process of pattern-making and sampling took months! In this case, I not only had to ensure a perfect fit for the main coat, but also had to create patterns for multiple pieces to offer different options. I love a good challenge!
Pattern making is like solving a puzzle, with many pieces that require careful tracing and planning to fit together seamlessly. Flexibility is key as I envision how the suit can be worn. Like an engineer, precise measurements and placement are crucial for the jacket, skirt, vest, and belt to connect flawlessly.
Firstly, I sample the design in calico to test my pattern and make any necessary adjustments along the way. This also helps me understand the construction process.
Once the pattern is perfect, the fabric selection takes centre stage. I choose grey and black wool, with a hint of lurex, as the canvas for the suit. Green velvet accents for V1 and pink for V2 adorn the sleeves, collar, and front panels, adding a touch of sophistication.
I had originally decided to use green velvet as the main colourway and went to work constructing and sampling the outfit.
And now, it’s time to bring it all to life. What an incredible journey it has been!
My workspace is filled with panels and fabric fragments, each meticulously measured and crafted to perfection, ensuring that every piece fits seamlessly. I learned a lot from constructing V1, which made the final pink iteration a smoother ride.
Once the garments were finished next came the massive task of putting the window together! This one was a BEAST from the start! Once Carolyn and I nailed down the vision, the real work began – lots of cutting, printing, and Photoshop magic to get the set looking perfect. Diego’s photoshop scaled mock-up was a lifesaver – we used it to make sure all the pieces fit just right.
Affixing the prints to the MDF cutouts? Now THAT was intense! But the real challenge? That arch. The arch was so large it had to be split in half, I then had to use steel bracing to hold it together… what a balancing act! And I did this all on my own! Honestly, I live for these DIY challenges!
Big shout-out to @canvasprintstudio and @frankieandswiss for the gorgeous prints, which I then meticulously (and patiently!) cut out. Meanwhile, Chris at @branchflowerscnc was rocking the MDF, turning carolyn’s artwork into real-life toy soldiers, crocodiles, and a massive archway.
Then, the tunnel scene on the wall… not as easy as it looks! That alignment took some serious focus (and maybe a bit of swearing). The end result? Honestly, one of my proudest window displays EVER.