The Art of Bespoke with Kesewa Aboah
It was an instagram post, which first captured the imagination of Huntsman owner Pierre Lagrange. Though he personally knew the Aboah family, he was formally, or informally, introduced to Kesewa’s work through the medium of social media, images of her work which fired his imagination.
On invitation to Huntsman, it was clear how unique and fitting Kesewa’s artistic talent was. With no formal training her eye for stitching and interpreting pattern in her artwork was remarkable.
Pierre commissioned artist Kesewa Aboah to create a canvas work of art, based on her paper based stitching piece. Her finished work, “The Joy in Dancing With My Sisters” was then given over to the expertise of Huntsman Co-Head Cutter Dario Carnera to create a truly one-off bespoke jacket which incorporated the canvas.
[one_image
Calico, Orange Pigment & Coconut Oil, Cotton Thread
130 x 196cm
2019
To ensure the integrity of the piece wasn’t compromised in construction of the jacket, the base of the garment is yellow linen, chosen to compliment Kesewa’s palette. The artwork had to then be carefully deconstructed before being reinstated on the garment.
The jacket is testament to the ingenuity and skill of Huntsman tailor Chris Bull, whom with meticulous patience then re-constructed the artwork as the coat was made.
Kesewa’s extraordinary piece incorporate extraordinarily intricate stitching work, yet the artist has no formal sewing training and is the perfect example of how art and fashion can marry to create something truly unique.
Kesewa’s extraordinary piece incorporates extraordinarily intricate stitching work, yet the artist has no formal sewing training and is the perfect example of how art and fashion can marry to create something truly unique.
The garment caused a sensation when Pierre wore it at his wedding in July 2019, and we thought it the perfect piece to celebrate the art exercised our craftsmen as London celebrates the art world during Frieze week. Championing the skill of our cutters and tailors and Kesewa’s remarkable talent, the jacket takes pride of place in our window at 11 Savile Row.
As part of the installation, Pierre commissioned another piece by Kesewa to be framed in the window. The work titled ‘All The Women And Me’ is a composition in deep russets and reds and beautifully contrasts the vibrancy of the bespoke coat.
Influenced by people, places and life events, a strong personal narrative runs through all of Kesewa’s work, with the use of colour being paramount to her self expression. Using her body as a tool to manipulate her canvas, she creates abstractions of her own form onto which she embroiders. Each commission takes on average over a month to complete.
With this level of bespoke, anything is possible! What would you have commissioned?
Make sure you stop by to see it for yourself from the 3rd - 7th of October.