The newspapers said that he has been able to push forward the boundaries of fashion. In his hands, clothing becomes sculpture, furniture or even architecture. Terms such as “conceptual” rather than “fashionable” have been used to describe his work; “substance” more than “style”, “project” more than “glamour”.

So it is not surprising then that an extensive exhibition is now to be dedicated to Hussein Chalayan, curated by Sue-an van der Zijpp. Experimental and innovative also in his use of materials and technology, the designer of Turkish Cypriot origins, says of himself, “Most fashion designers are preoccupied by the final result. I’m more interested in what's led to it.” On show, ten years of dazzling career, described through outfits, installations, photographs and video. E.S.

Groningen, The Netherlands
Hussein Chalayan
Until 4.9.2005
Groninger Museum, Postbus 90
T +31-050-3666555
https://www.groningermuseum.nl