DAFES | Design, Art, Fashion, Education & Startups

WEEK NEWS DIGEST News from the worlds of design, art, and heritage 1. Downton Abbey Auction Bonhams Auction House announced a unique event — “Downton Abbey: The Auction”, offering iconic props and costumes from the beloved series! A free exhibition will run in London from 18 August to 16 September. Which piece of the Crawleys’ world would you take home? 2. Photoshop gets smarter The new “Harmonize” feature in Photoshop beta uses Adobe Firefly AI to automatically match the lighting, shadows, and color of an object to any background. A real time saver! 3. Return of Alexander After a seven-year(!) legal battle, the ancient marble bust of Alexander, which was accidentally found in one of the galleries in New York was returned to Italy. Excavated near the Colosseum, stolen, then rediscovered — it finally goes home to the Capitoline Museums in Rome. This is a good example of the current restitution trend. If you want to dive deeply into restitution topic, check out our post. #DAFESNewsDigest

OPEN CALL: Digital Design DAFES invites students and professionals working in the sphere of Digital Design to participate in the competition. The list of open nominations: — Product design — Web design — Artificial intelligence — Creative programming — Mobile app — CX (Customer Experience) — Interface design Open to all: regardless of gender, age, nationality, or professional level. Don’t wait until the last minute — submit your work today via the links above! DAFES AWARDS is an international competition that celebrates creative achievements and supports professional growth in design, art, fashion, education, and startups. #DAFESAWARDS

OPEN CALL: Creative Entrepreneurship DAFES invites creators of startups in the field of fashion, design, art, and digital services to participate in the Creative Entrepreneurship Competition! This nomination is dedicated to innovative ideas that transform traditional industries or set new directions in the creative business world. Requirements: - Both concepts and projects implemented or published between November 1, 2023, and October 12, 2025, are eligible; - Open to all: regardless of gender, age, nationality, or professional level. Submit here #DAFESAWARDS

Art Deco Legend — Erté Behind the elegant pseudonym Erté stood Roman Petrovich Tyrtov (1892-1990) from a St. Petersburg aristocratic family. He was expected to uphold the family honor as a naval officer, but art called louder than tradition! In 1910, he moved to Paris and began a career collaborating with the legendary fashion designer Paul Poiret. He then went on to design costumes for the theatre and cinema, working with icons such as Anna Pavlova and Joan Crawford. His historic partnership with Harper’s Bazaar shaped the fashion industry’s visual culture for several decades and established him as one of the era’s leading tastemakers. Erté became one of the key artists of the Art Deco movement, known for his slender, elongated silhouettes, ornamental elegance, and motifs inspired by the natural world. Nowadays, most of his artworks are in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York) and the Victoria and Albert Museum (London). #DAFESLearning

OPEN CALL: Game Visuals & Game Development DAFES welcomes students and professionals working in the gaming industry to showcase their works and participate in DAFES AWARDS 2025! Requirements: - This competition is open to all: regardless of gender, age, nationality or professional level. - Both concepts and projects that have been implemented or published between November 1, 2023, and October 12, 2025, are accepted. Submit your project via the links: Game Visuals Game Development Don’t wait until the last minute, apply today! #DAFESAWARDS

PHOTOCAMERA THAT PRINTS POEMS It sounds like a dream, but it's a real invention! Poetry Camera is an instant-print camera that doesn’t capture photographs. Instead, with the help of AI, it writes and prints poems based on the object in front of it. The photo itself isn’t saved or printed: the idea is not to show, but to describe what’s seen. It's very easy to use: 1) Choose the style — a haiku, a sonnet, or free verse; 2) Connect to WiFi; 3) Make a photo; 4) Receive your printed poetry! Each Poetry Camera is hand-assembled and available for pre-order at $699, with shipping scheduled for September. Open-source enthusiasts can also build their own — full DIY instructions are available on the brand's website. Would you buy one? Put 🦄 , if yes! #DAFESNewsDigest

WEEKEND READING: Susan Sontag — Notes on "Camp" (1964) Susan Sontag, the American critic and essayist, introduced the term "Camp" into the mainstream with her iconic 1964 essay. This manifesto defined Camp as an aesthetic of failed seriousness that takes pleasure in excess and stylized beauty. Initially rooted in the decadent court of Louis XIV, Camp found its intellectual rebirth in the ’60s — an era of sexual liberation and cultural revolution. Sontag saw Camp as “a mode of enjoyment,” one that blurred the lines between high art and pop culture. It isn't about bad taste — it is about self-irony and playfulness. For designers, curators, and educators, this essay remains a guide to creative freedom and aesthetic boldness. #WeekendRecommendation

THE WORST DESIGN OF JULY Introducing a new DAFES section — “The Worst Design of the Month” — where we examine the strangest designs from across the World. This isn't about shaming — it's about cultivating critical taste and design thinking. The July finalists: 1. The tiny Fiat Panda A fully functional Fiat Panda... 50 centimeters wide! The vehicle resembles a pizza slice, moves slower than a scooter, and raises the eternal design question: Just because you can — should you? 2. Jeff Bezos’ wedding invitation You’d expect the wealthiest man in the world to have the most refined invitations... not a card with illustrations from a Microsoft Word 1998 and whimsical italics. This design sparked a meme wave and a universal question: Can one buy taste with money? 3. Baguette bag A spiral-shaped pink baguette holder — designed to cradle your loaf as you stroll. Visually charming, but functionally… questionable. Who is the winner of the month? Share with us! #DesignGoneWrong

What Are Archetypes and Why Do They Matter in Creativity? Rooted in Jungian psychology, Archetypes reflect universal patterns of human behavior and storytelling. Understanding them can be a game-changer for a creative specialist, as they help shape brand identities, build visual storytelling, and amplify emotional resonance. For example, a fashion designer can align a collection with archetypal moods—The Rebel inspires bold silhouettes, The Lover embraces sensual textures and romance. While media designers can build cohesive user experiences that reflect The Sage’s clarity or The Explorer’s curiosity. Save our archetypes scheme for your future projects! Want to learn more about Archetypes? Put 👀 , if yes, and we’ll help you explore that soon! #DAFESLearning

MASTERS OF THE MEDIUM: BILL BERNBACH Bill (William) Bernbach was a copywriter and co-founder of the Doyle Dane Bernbach (DDB) agency. He was renowned for his dedication to originality, and his legacy established him as a key figure in the advertising revolution of the 1960s and 1970s. He transformed the industry by pairing copywriters with art directors—an innovation that became the foundation of modern work. As David Ogilvy said, "Bill created an atmosphere where talented people flourished." In 1959, Volkswagen turned to DDB for an ad campaign, and Bernbach delivered a masterpiece. “Think Small” — two words that redefined 20th-century advertising. At a time when the market was dominated by posh, oversized American cars, Bernbach boldly embraced the Beetle’s modest, unconventional design. He turned its perceived flaws into virtues: not small, but economical; not plain, but reliable. Check the attached images to admire this legendary campaign. #DAFESLearning

OPEN CALL: Font Design, Lettering & Calligraphy DAFES welcomes students and professionals working with typography to showcase their works and participate in DAFES AWARDS 2025! Requirements: - This competition is open to all: regardless of gender, age, nationality or professional level. - Both concepts and projects that have been implemented or published between November 1, 2023, and October 12, 2025, are accepted. Submit your project via the links: Font Design Lettering & Calligraphy Don’t wait until the last minute, apply today! #DAFESAWARDS

Meta Announced a Smart Bracelet Imagine controlling your computer without touching a screen or a keyboard. Meta’s new surface electromyography (sEMG) bracelet makes that possible! Designed in collaboration with Reality Labs, this innovative accessory reads electrical signals from the wrist muscles, converting the smallest finger taps or gestures into digital commands. Trained on data from over 300 people, the bracelet adapts to various hand shapes and styles. It can also learn the person's handwriting. It works seamlessly with Meta’s AR glasses, enabling a person to write, swipe, or even type mid-air. A promising step for accessibility, this device redefines the interface between humans and machines! #DAFESNewsDigest

Weekend Recommendation Suspiria (2018), directed by Luca Guadagnino, is a hauntingly elegant horror. This visually sophisticated movie explores the fusion of dance, magic, and the grotesque. Guadagnino’s references to R.W. Fassbinder’s* films—moody, theatrical, and emotionally dense—run deep. Interesting fact: Fassbinder’s muse and ex-wife, Ingrid Caven, plays one of the roles in the movie. The film's design is based on the contrast between the gloomy atmosphere and bright colors. This intense palette paints a psychological portrait of power, ritual, and femininity. * Rainer Werner Fassbinder was a German filmmaker, dramatist, and actor; one of the major figures of the New German Cinema movement. #WeekendRecommendation

WEEK NEWS DIGEST "The Comedian" Artwork Was Eaten Again Maurizio Cattelan’s iconic artwork continues to provoke... and disappear. This week at the Pompidou-Metz Center, a visitor ate the banana. It was swiftly replaced according to the artist’s instructions. The edible performance lives on! The Sims Board Game Is Coming The legendary digital simulation "The Sims" is stepping off the screen to celebrate its 25th anniversary! This fall Maxis is releasing a board game version, bringing its clean interface aesthetics and sandbox logic into the analog world. A fascinating moment for game design! Notre-Dame Gets Its Digital Twin Microsoft, in collaboration with Iconem and the French Ministry of Culture, is building a digital replica of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral. They claim that the virtual model will be accurate to within a centimeter. This initiative is about supporting preservation, research, and global access — a bold step for tech in heritage. #DAFESNewsDigest

DAFES CHOICE — MAY 2025 First Place: "Eisner" font by Emili Mihaylenko This standout typeface was chosen for its thoughtful blend of historical reference and digital craftsmanship. Here’s how Emili describes it: “Eisner is a modern text font based on the principles of broad-pointed pen writing used in Gothic and Renaissance periods in Europe. The shapes familiar to modern readers are arranged as if they were created by a medieval master using digital tools.” A perfect example of how typography can merge tradition and technology — becoming a form of visual storytelling. Submit your work via Deziiign.com and become the next DAFES CHOICE winner! #DAFESChoice

Pinterest for Designers Pinterest is more than a mood board — it’s a powerful search engine for visual discovery. For creatives, it offers a rare combination of visibility, longevity, and community. If you're a designer, now is the time to ensure your presence is polished and professional. Use these tips to stand out: - Your account should be SEO-friendly: optimise your bio and use keywords in your pins; - Add links to your website or portfolio; - Create visually striking posts, and don't forget about videos; - Engage with the community: pin regularly, join group boards, and collaborate with others. DAFES has compiled the currently trending keywords — check out the slides! Pinterest doesn’t just promote your work — it archives it in the global visual library of the internet. Make your ideas easy to find! #DAFESLearning

MASTERS OF THE MEDIUM: DAVID HOCKNEY David Hockney (1937) is a living legend who shaped the visual language of the 20th and 21st centuries. Known for his bold use of colour, light, and tech, he still paints daily — even in his late eighties. Born in Bradford, England, Hockney relocated to the sun-soaked Los Angeles of the 1960s, and it sparked his most iconic swimming pool series — vibrant studies of light, joy, and freedom. Portraiture, especially of pairs, became central to his work, capturing subtle emotional tensions. From Polaroid mosaics (joiners) to iPad drawings, Hockney constantly reinvents his tools, proving artistry lies not in the medium, but in the eye. On the cover: David Hockney with his self-portrait “Play within a Play within a Play, and Me with a Cigarette”, 2024–2025 #DAFESLearning

Meet Belka — a flying robot designed to perform routine tasks aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This compact assistant blends friendly ergonomics with advanced tech, and complete autonomy in zero-gravity mode. The Ground Control Interface offers real-time dashboards, monitoring, video logging, and mission reports for Earth-based operators. Belka's key features: — Soft outer elements for safety; — Main functions controlled via touchscreen, with mechanical backups for reliability; — Built with 3D printing using certified materials for space; — Equipped with BelkaOS, an intuitive system inspired by mobile OS logic, minimizing the learning process. Developed since 2023, Belka is scheduled to launch in early 2027. Want to be featured next? Upload your project to deziiign.com for a chance to be selected in the DAFES CHOICE nomination! #DAFESCHOICE #DAFESNewsDigest #DAFESTalents

WEEKEND WATCH RECOMMENDATION This weekend, we recommend watching the documentary Helvetica — a film that dives deep into the most iconic typeface of the 20th century. At first glance, a documentary about typography may not sound very entertaining. But Helvetica defies expectations: it is full of insightful interviews with renowned designers, elegant visuals, and interesting facts about the design history. The film explores how Helvetica cleaned up the visual clutter of the 1950s — replacing chaotic handwritten signs and crammed cursive with structured, balanced forms. It’s a thoughtful examination of how something as seemingly “invisible” as a font can influence culture, commerce, and communication. From subway signage to corporate logos, Helvetica is everywhere — and this film shows us why. #WeekendRecommendation

WEEK NEWS DIGEST This week, the fashion world has been shaken by a trio of scandals that spark urgent questions about cultural appropriation, labour ethics, and the counterfeit market: 1. Prada vs. Indian Heritage Prada drew criticism from Indian artisans and officials after showing footwear resembling Kolhapuri sandals (traditional Indian shoes) during their recent show in Milan. The brand acknowledged its references and has now promised a collaboration with Indian craftsmen. 2. Loro Piana’s Labour Scandal Known for its luxury cashmere and commitment to quality and craft, Loro Piana is now under investigation in Italy. Prosecutors claim that its garments were produced in illegal workshops near Milan by underpaid Chinese workers. 3. ‘Superfakes’ The Wall Street Journal unveiled a growing black market of hyperrealistic fake Hermes and LV handbags, sold via messengers. The quality is so high that a fake bag can only be distinguished from the original ones by X-ray! #DAFESNewsDigest