'The Beginning of Something Beautiful’

Dragana Perisic & Su Blackwell
A collaboration of art and fashion.

Dragana Perisic, the East London based designer beloved for her playful, elegant clothing is opening the doors to her shop for a unique event. British artist Su Blackwell has brought her whimsical world to the window of Dragana Perisic, creating a mystical display from the pages of a fashion magazine. The display coincides with three exclusive new sculptures to be exhibited within the distinctive boutique.

Dragana spotted Su Blackwell’s work in Vogue before approaching her for collaboration. ‘I could see a playful, fantasy-like quality in Su’s work that appealed to me - I thought it would work well with the philosophy of my designs as well as the atmosphere of the shop’ says Dragana. 'The optimistic colours of spring are the inspiration for the combined work.‘ These works are about the end of winter, the transition into spring, when tiny bursts of colour begin to blossom and surround us’ says Su. This will be the first of an ongoing series of art and photography exhibitions to be held at the boutique in the future.

The private view held on Thursday 17th May will feature the exclusive chance to pre-order garments from Dragana’s Autumn/Winter 07/08 collection. Inspired by the sepia hues and textile shapes evident in the photography of Edward S Curtis the designer has combined translucent jerseys, signature silks, brocades and soft wools in a myriad palette of chocolate, mustard yellow, blushing reds and iced pink. Dragana’s fondness for versatility in her clothing designs emerges throughout the collection – the ‘in/out dress’ can be worn with or without pockets while the ‘V or not dress’ can be worn, as the name suggests, with or without a brocade panel buttoned into the neckline.

The Dragana Perisic boutique, which opened in the summer of last year, is known for its cosy, unpretentious atmosphere. Situated among the various inspired independent shops of Cheshire Street, the interior is a mix of vintage furniture, contemporary cabinetry and delicately crafted silver-leaf frames all bought or made locally. Dragana’s clothing and textile jewellery are displayed in playful abundance alongside AnnAnn leather bags, TN29 shoes, Evica gloves, Roger La Borde cards and hats by Bea & Evie.