Mark C. O’Flaherty: Narrative Thread: Conversations on Fashion Collections | Fruitmarket
Arts
Literary Arts
Shirley Manson engages in an enlightening interview with Mark C. O’Flaherty on his latest book, "Clothes from our past shape who we are, and who we will be." This thought-provoking exploration delves into the significance of certain garments and the stories they tell about our lives. O'Flaherty takes an intriguing approach by conversing with 14 individuals who have unique relationships with clothing, asking them how fashion has played a significant role in their lives. Through captivating discussions and captivating photoshoots of their personal collections in prominent fashion cities like New York, London, and Milan, O'Flaherty artfully captures the essence of each person's connection with fashion. Notable figures featured in the book include The Idiosyncratic Fashionistas, Charlie Casely-Hayford, John Matheson (McQueen Vault), Sandy Powell, Stephen Jones, Carla Sozzani, Winn Austin, Carmen Haid, Susanne Bartsch, Karlo Steel, Karim Rashid, Steven Philip, and Desmond is Amazing. By exploring how these individuals utilize fashion as a vessel for memory and identity, O'Flaherty sheds light on the evolving nature of clothing as a commodity. The book also features a foreword by esteemed fashion tastemaker Amanda Harlech, as well as conversations with renowned scholars Valerie Steele, Andre Walker, and Claire Wilcox. "Narrative Thread" serves as an enlightening resource that examines both the historical and contemporary significance of fashion, showcasing its ongoing importance in our lives. Renowned for his work as an interiors and portrait photographer, O'Flaherty's expertise shines through as he seamlessly captures the essence of fashion and its connection to our individual narratives. Edinburgh-born Shirley Manson, known for her Grammy-nominated songwriting and lead vocals for the critically acclaimed alternative rock band Garbage, delivers a captivating interview complemented by a striking photo by Brian Ziff.