As a business owner working in the creative world of embroidery and printing, making time to visit exhibitions can be one of the most inspiring creative developments to drive your business into new and refreshing areas.
We were lucky enough to visit the sold out exhibition 'Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto’ at the V&A earlier this year, the first UK exhibition dedicated to the work of French couturier Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel.
The enduring influence of Gabrielle Chanel distinguishes her as one of the pioneering influences of 20th century western fashion. Her career spanned 60 years where she became renowned as ‘Coco’ Chanel,
leading her Brand and designs to the forefront of the fashion world arena still present today.
It was an exciting day at a very packed exhibition and having been unsuccessful in obtaining tickets on the first showing I was delighted when the V&A released extra dates due to it’s popularity. So there we were close up to the genuine pieces her work processes and her life story and being able to see the exquisite designs that propelled her as one of the
pioneering influences of 20th century
Reading the history of her beginnings to what she built as a business was of course inspiring. Reading how she overcame challenges and drove her ideas through determination and instinct is of course inspiring to a female small business owner who is also passionate about embroidery and textiles.
Reading through the back stories, looking through her sketch books and ideas and then the final garments created was interesting enough but it also allowed me to indulge a little outside of the norms of my normal business demands.
So why is this important?
Well for me it’s all about research and connecting. Going to exhibitions is important on many levels as a creative business owner, creativity is the lifeblood that keeps my business vibrant and competitive.
There are always the exhibitions I attend that relate to my industry specifically, such as the printing and embroidery trade exhibitions, which are there to showcase new technologies, machinery and learn about new products and trends emerging, something that is important to then enrich your customers with. However the ability to step outside the norm of your business and look at the pioneers from history is also a valuable process. Attending exhibitions in whatever way it relates to your field of work is great for nurturing creativity, resetting and looking at what you do with fresh eyes. These events are more than just showcases of products and services; they are fertile grounds for inspiration and learning and contribute to a richer and more vibrant creative mindset.
A detail taken from the exhibition stored in the memory bank of inspiration was put into process with a customer requiring some bespoke customised sweatshirts, after a few discussions on details we decided the designs should focus around the collar, cuff and hem of the garments something typical in Gabrielle Chanel's work. I know a sweatshirt isn't quite in the arena of a CoCo Chanel Tweed suite, but his delight on showcasing his designs on an area of the sweatshirt he hadn't considered was his inspiration to place the order!
Thanks for reading and be inspired to check out some exhibitions of your own,
Love Team Beadlebop x