Kim Gordon x Sportmax

Following on in their series of collaborative projects titled Carte Blanche, womenswear label Sportmax have teamed up with Kim Gordon, visual artist, designer and founding member of the hugely influential Sonic Youth, for their next installment. In the second chapter of this limited edition collection, the label have produced a number of pieces that incorporate Kim's fine art work into beautiful printed t-shirts and dresses in soft loose shapes. Giving the artist 'carte blanche', the idea behind each of the collaborations is to leave the artist as decision maker, allowing them the freedom to integrate their aesthetic into the clothes.

Dazed Digital: How did the collaboration with Sportmax come about?
Kim Gordon: I was contacted by Studio Blanco, the agency that has developed the project for Sportmax, and the collaboration was proposed. They had done another one last year, with a graphic artist called Christophe Brunnquell (ex Purple art director, now at le Figaro).

DD: Were you aware of the label previously?
Kim Gordon: I was more familiar with Max Mara. They have a good reputation as a longstanding company, and are supporters of the arts.

DD: The capsule is titled 'Carte Blanche'. Can you tell me about the inspiration behind it?
Kim Gordon: Basically, they came up with that name for this series of collaborations with different arts , so I guess the idea is to really be more open or free. Initially they just asked for some watercolors, but I wanted to have a hand in the shapes and fabric somewhat.

DD: What was your approach to designing? Did you draw from your previous work as an artist, or have you created new pieces for the prints?
Kim Gordon: I sketched some simple shapes that I thought would be conducive to the abstract images. Then a friend of mine, Jeffrey Monteiro, made them into better working drawings

DD: You have been running two clothing lines previously to this collaboration. What is about designing clothes that interests you?
Kim Gordon: It was actually pretty satisfying working with Sportmax as they are so experienced, and because they are more high end. The fabrics could be nicer and they have better pattern and sample makers than I’ve worked with previously. Please don’t be mistaken though, I’m no designer.
 
DD: As well as being an integral part of Sonic Youth, and a designer, you are also a fine artist. Is there a theme that runs across all of your work?
Kim Gordon: My work in visual art is somewhat performative and inspired by that. I like the idea of being a conjurer or charlatan, that’s sort of what rock musicians are ultimately, in the best way. But then again, that’s not to say I don’t take it completely seriously..