DAFES | Design, Art, Fashion, Education & Startups

DAFES CHOICE: MAY 2025 Welcome the winners of DAFES selection for May 2025: I Place: "Jonas Mekas. The Biography", Yana Yurasova. A poetic and thoughtful tribute to the founder of the “diary cinema” genre. "Chernobylnik: A Chronology of the Chernobyl Accident",Elizaveta Makedonskaya. A deeply researched timeline of the catastrophe, documented with clarity and precision. II Place: "THEREMIN: The Invention and the Inventor", Maria Lychyeva. A visual journey through the life of Lev Termen and his famous invention. "RAP", Aisylu Galiyeva. An exploration of the unique poetics of Russian rap. "Belyaevo Encyclopedia", Polina Zherebtsova. An encyclopedic series about the Moscow district of Belyaevo — its architecture, spirit, and memory. III Place: ”The USSR: the Workers’ State”, Sofiya Eristavi. A publication about the key urban-forming industrial enterprises of the USSR. Want to be next? Upload your work on Deziiign.com and become a future winner of DAFES Choice. #DAFESChoice

4 Sites Every Graphic Designer Should Bookmark Looking for authentic inspiration beyond endless social media scrolling? We’ve selected 4 digital platforms that offer a good selection of contemporary design — from archival gems to curated references and professional networks: 1. Deziiign.com 2. Fonts In Use 3. Fuse.Kiwi 4. Design Reviewed Explore, learn, and find your inspiration! #DAFESInspo

INVISIBLE GENIUS: VIVIAN MAIER A mysterious woman with a Rolleicord camera in hand, roaming the streets of Chicago. A French-accented nanny, fiercely private, photographing obsessively — but showing her work to no one. For decades, no one knew the name Vivian Maier. Today, it’s written into the history of photography. Her postmortem fame raises questions about artistic intent, legacy, and the life of women in the arts. Born in New York in 1926, Maier spent her life capturing America in the second half of the 20th century — from quiet working-class neighborhoods to major political moments — always with a sharp eye for detail and emotion. Her archive, discovered only after her death in 2009, contains over 100,000 negatives, film reels, and audio tapes. Her style? A social history in stills — subtle, unsentimental, and beautifully composed. #DAFES #StreetPhotography #VivianMaier #HistoryOfPhotography

DREAM RECORDER: An AI Device That Visualizes Your Dreams Dutch design studio Modem presents the Dream Recorder — an AI-powered bedside device that turns your dreams into short, impressionistic videos. Here’s how it works: — In the morning, just speak your dream into the device; — It generates a grainy video reel, reflecting your subconscious through AI-trained visuals; — No apps, no notifications — just a calm glow on your nightstand; — Each device stores up to 7 dreams — enough to notice patterns. With open-source hardware and software available on GitHub, anyone can 3D-print the shell and assemble it using standard components. Would you dare to visualize your dreams (Admin doesn't)? Put 🦄 , if yes! #CreativeTech #AIandArt #DesignForFuture #ArtMeetsTech

Weekend recommendation — Explore fashion history through the lens of V&A If you’re looking for visual inspiration, we highly recommend exploring the Victoria and Albert Museum’s website. It is home to one of the world's most impressive historical fashion collections. And what's important — many of the archive pieces are digitized and freely available online. A valuable resource for fashion designers, stylists, curators, and students who study the visual language of costume. #WeekendRecommendation #CreativePractice #FashionResearch #HistoricalCostume #DigitalArchive #VAMuseum

DAFES NEWS DIGEST The Birkin of All Birkins The first-ever Hermès Birkin bag, crafted for Jane Birkin in 1985, was sold at Sotheby's auction in Paris yesterday for an astounding $10.1 million! It became the most expensive handbag ever sold. Chloé x Karl Lagerfeld Auction A rare single-owner auction of 80 archival prêt-à-porter pieces from Karl Lagerfeld’s era at Chloé (1963–1983) happened this week at Bonhams. This is the first time such a collection is being auctioned. The estimated prices per lot were very modest: €700-1,500! MERO Studios: “Paysage de Pain” At Festival des Architectures Vives, a pavilion of 780 salvaged baguettes questions food waste and excess. In France, 11% of baked bread remains unsold. Of this unsold bread, 15% is donated, 25% repurposed as animal food, and 60% is destroyed. #DAFES #ArtAndDesign #ArtNews #DesignNews

DAFES CHOICE — MAY 2025 Jewelry collection [out of stock] by [ORGANIC] Designer: Anastasiya Aleksandrova Curated by: Yaroslav Subbotin How can a can opener become a ring? A product tag — an earring? The collection [out of stock] by designer Anastasiya Aleksandrova reimagines the ordinary, transforming everyday symbols of consumerism into jewelry. With forms drawn from supermarket aesthetics — price labels, receipts, and packaging fragments — the collection questions the beauty of the mundane and the repetition of consumption. This is not just a design — it’s a reflection. On waste. On value. On our habits. DAFES CHOICE is a monthly selection of outstanding creative projects, handpicked by an expert council. #DAFESCHOICE

5 ICONIC FASHION SHOWS Fashion has long outgrown the runway. In a world where storytelling and innovation converge, some shows have become pure cultural phenomena. Here are 5 unforgettable moments every fashion student should know: 1. Alexander McQueen SS 1999 Art, science, and fashion collided when Shalom Harlow spun between robotic arms that spray-painted her white tulle dress live on stage. 2. Hussein Chalayan FW 2000 Coffee tables turned into crinolines, slipcovers into dresses — a poetic take on displacement and transformation. 3. Coperni SS 2023 Bella Hadid stood still as a white dress was sprayed directly onto her body with liquid fiber — a live-tech performance that stunned the world. 4. Louis Vuitton FW 2012 Models arrived on stage...on a real full-size train! An incredible cinematic journey into luxury storytelling. 5. Alexander McQueen FW 2006 Kate Moss appeared as a ghostly hologram inside a glass pyramid — an unforgettable fusion of illusion and elegance. #DAFESLearning

OPEN CALL — FASHION CATEGORY Calling all creatives working in fashion! We’re looking for original concepts, strong visual language, and aesthetic integrity. For a new season of DAFES AWARDS,we’re accepting submissions in three key nominations: Fashion Design Original clothing collections created for the market or specially for the competition. Fashion Brand Projects by young designers and entrepreneurs: brands, startups, or initiatives. Fashion Photo & Styling Fashion shoots, editorial and advertising campaigns, social media content. Deadline: October 31 Free to enter | Open to all | For students and professionals Submit your project now at dafes.net! #DAFESAWARDS #FashionDesign #FashionPhotography #FashionStyling #OpenCall

COAT FOR A GOOD SLEEP Meet ZZZN Sleep Apparel System — a tech-packed jacket designed to combat chronic sleep deprivation, was recently introduced at the Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. The creative idea stems from a very real issue: Japan suffers from a nationwide sleep deficit, caused by overwork, which has become a serious health problem. It may look like an ordinary winter puffer, but it's actually a smart personal sleep cocoon, which: — adjusts light and sound; — tracks pulse, temperature, and stress via smart ring; — emits red light to fall asleep faster and blue to wake gently; — plays ambient “neuro-music” to guide brainwaves toward deep sleep. Inspired by the traditional yogi (a quilted kimono), this garment merges cultural heritage with cutting-edge AI to support rest and recovery in an overstimulated world. Would you buy one? Put 🦄 , if yes! #CreativeInnovation #DesignForFuture #Expo2025 #SmartWearables

Weekend Recommendation: "Breakfast at Sotheby’s: An A-Z of the Art World" by Philip Hook Whether you're an art curator, a student of art history, or simply someone curious about why artworks are being sold at astronomical prices, this book is a must-read! It is a witty and entertaining journey through the world of art valuation. Its author, Philip Hook, is a senior director at the legendary Sotheby’s Auction House, with over 35 years of experience in the auction business. Take this book as a masterclass in understanding the hidden mechanics of the art market. #ArtAndDesign #DAFESLearning #WeekendReading #ArtWorld #ArtHistory #Sothebys

WEEK NEWS DIGEST Bentley has revealed a new, minimalist version of its iconic Winged B emblem—only the fourth redesign in over a century. The company's original logo was designed by illustrator F. Gordon Crosby in 1919. The new logo was developed by the in-house team led by Robin Page, opening “a new era of Bentley design” and will debut on a concept car next week. Archaeologists in Turkey have uncovered a two-thousand-year-old shipwreck carrying perfectly preserved ceramics from the Late Hellenistic-Early Roman period. Found off the coast of Adrasan, the plates and bowls remained intact thanks to ancient stacking methods. Christie’s set a new auction record for Canaletto: "Venice, the Return of the Bucintoro on Ascension Day" was sold for €37 million. The painting now ranks among the most valuable Old Master works ever sold! #DAFES #CreativeCommunity #ArtNews #DesignNews

OPEN CALL — CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP We’re excited to launch a special nomination for creative startups that rethink traditional industries or open new directions in business. If you’re building a project in fashion, design, art, or digital services — and your idea has the potential to grow, gain media attention, and succeed commercially — this is your moment. Deadline: October 31 Who can participate? — Open to all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities — For both students and professionals Submit your project now at dafes.net! Let’s shape the future of creative industries together. #DafesAwards #CreativeEntrepreneurship #StartupCall #CreativeStartups

How to Write an Artist Statement? An Artist Statement is a must-have for every artist. It’s often required for exhibitions, grants, and residencies — and it serves as your voice when you're not there to speak. This short text helps viewers, curators, and juries understand what you create, how you work, and why your project matters. A well-written statement doesn’t just inform — it invites the reader to connect more deeply with your art. Scroll through the carousel and save our practical writing tips. They’ll help you articulate your vision confidently and professionally. #DAFESLearning #ArtistStatement #ArtTips #WritingTips #ArtGrants #ArtResidencies #ArtCareer

OPEN CALL FOR DESIGNERS A new season of DAFES AWARDS is open! This time, we are accepting entries across 21 design nominations: - Font - Lettering & calligraphy - Book design - Product design - Editorial - Poster - Packaging design - Infographics - Design-marketing - Identity & branding - Motion design - CX (Customer Experience) - Creative Programming - Web Publishing - Game visuals - Game development - Interface design - Artificial Intelligence - Mobile app Deadline: October 31 ('Book design' closes earlier — September 19) Requirements: - Open to all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities - For students and professionals alike Submit your project now at dafes.net Let’s shape the future of creative industries together! #DAFES #CreativeCommunity #DAFESTalents #ArtAndDesign #OpenCall #DesignAwards

Weekend Watch: The September Issue (2009) Well, taking into account the latest fashion news, our weekend recommendation will be pretty obvious! 'The September Issue' is a legendary documentary film that offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how Vogue’s iconic September 2007 issue was created. At its core is the dynamic between editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and creative director Grace Coddington, revealing the tension, artistry, and precision behind each editorial decision. Take it as a visual case study in fashion media and creative leadership. It’s essential viewing for anyone curious about how fashion narratives are built. #FashionStudies #AnnaWintour #Vogue

📍WEEK NEWS DIGEST The most important and thought-provoking updates from the creative world. Art Basel 2025 Recap Art Basel 2025 came to an end, revealing several key shifts in the global art market: — Digital art takes center stage, with growing interest in video art and digital sculpture; — A strong focus on emerging and young artists was one of the fair’s highlights. Crisis in LVMH LVMH, one of the leading luxury corporations, is facing serious challenges. The company’s value has dropped by nearly 50% in 2 years, among the reasons: poor management, the non-alcoholic beverages trend, andthe slowdown of Dior Fashion House. Sotheby’s Report on Women Artists The share of women artists in the auction market is rising. Last year, women made up 23.6% of artists represented at auctions — the highest number ever recorded! #DAFES #CreativeCommunity #DesignForFuture #ArtAndDesign #CreativeInnovation

⚡️ Breaking News from the Fashion World: Anna Wintour is leaving her position According to BOF, the absolutely legendary figure of the Fashion Industry, Anna Wintour, may be leaving her position as Editor-in-Chief of Vogue U.S. after 37 years at the helm! The source claims that Wintour shared this news with her staff earlier today. However, she won't completely leave Condé Nast, but will focus on her roles as Condé Nast Chief Content Officer and Global Editorial Director of Vogue. We will monitor the situation and keep you informed about how events unfold. #FashionNews #DAFESFashion #FashionIndustry #CondeNast #AnnaWintour

Marketing Lessons from Milan Fashion Week Here are 4 marketing strategies leading brands are using right now: Crowd engagement – Dolce&Gabbana’s SS26 show ended with models walking into the street, turning the city into a live runway and creating media buzz. Immersive experience – Gentle Monster x 10 Corso Como created a futuristic art-meets-tech installation, redefining the shopping experience. ‘Third places marketing’ (informal settings beyond stores) – SEASE turned a Milan courtyard into a tennis club, letting visitors watch matches and engage with their collection emotionally. Pop-up stores – they are cost-effective and help to strengthen clients' loyalty by providing valuable experiences and gifts. For example, Ferragamo offered visitors styling consults, photo ops, and exclusive discounts. These strategies go beyond sales — they tell stories, build communities, and create shareable moments (= amplify media buzz). #DAFESLearning #FashionBranding #MilanFashionWeek #FashionMarketing

Confronted with these introspective, unsettling, and at times repulsive portraits, one might ask: What makes them special? The answer lies in the uncompromising vision of their author, British portraitist Lucian Freud, one of the most influential figures in XX century art. A grandson of Sigmund Freud, he channelled the psychoanalytic ideas into paint, striving to uncover what lies beneath the surface of physical appearance. Whether portraying anonymous sitters or iconic figures like Kate Moss, he refused to idealise. The human body, to him, was not an object of beauty, but a living, aging, flawed, and truthful presence. His close friendship with another art legend, Francis Bacon, further sharpened this vision. Freud admired Bacon’s emotive distortion and raw immediacy; Bacon, in turn, drew inspiration from Freud’s psychological insight. Together, they redefined the possibilities of figurative art in an era increasingly dominated by abstraction. #FigurativeArt #LucianFreud #ArtHistory