In fashion, like pretty much every other industry, the last few weeks before the holidays are non-stop, as people dash frenetically between events, battle hangovers at their desks, and try to get things wrapped up before the end of the year, before it all starts again the year after. Offering a moment of calm in the middle of all the chaos, though, was Feben.
With the support of ongoing partner Puma, the rising designer staged an intimate life-drawing class in Dalston, East London, as Storm Darragh raged outside. Climbing up the stairs into Saint Barnabas Church from the cold and removing waterproof coats and unwrapping scarves from around their heads, guests were met by a sedate scene, in which a circle of easels surrounded white calico-covered plinths and swathes of cotton hung from the ceiling.
After an Ethiopian tea ceremony curated by Gwada Kitchen, Feben took to the stage to introduce the session and members of Sistah Space – a non-profit organisation dedicated to offering vital support to women of African and Caribbean descent in London in areas including domestic violence, sexual abuse, and more. “I’ve been an admirer of their work for years – they’ve been guests at my shows and I’ve been on a panel with them,” says Feben of their relationship, adding: “I love powerful women who use their force to create change.”
With the easels kitted out with pencils, charcoal, pastels, and palettes of acrylic paint, guests were incited to go wild with their artworks – plenty were novices, or picking up the paintbrushes for the first time in a long while, but Feben drew attention to how important it is to experiment, take risks, and see what happens. “Growing up, like many I was afraid of making mistakes but later learnt to embrace it- so many great things have happened since,” she says. “I think Life drawing is a perfect tool for you to welcome the small mistakes and to stay present. I wanted our guests to access this within themselves by joining us for the day.”
“I think Life drawing is a perfect tool for you to welcome the small mistakes and to stay present. I wanted our guests to access this within themselves by joining us for the day” – Feben
As models wearing pieces from Feben’s latest collection – including dramatic fringed gowns, flamboyant tailored styles, and her signature knobbly-bobbly textured dresses – struck poses or settled into more relaxed positions, the crowd immortalised them with pencil marks and brushstrokes, while in turn, legendary photographer Liz Johnson Artur snapped away, capturing the calm of the session on her analogue camera.
Take a look at Johnson Artur’s photos in the gallery above, and head here to donate to Sistah Space.