Lady Gaga and High-Tech Architecture

 BOFFO Installation Spans the Gap

Image courtesy of Evan Joseph

Gage/Clemenceau Architects, whose work often combines architecture with emerging technologies, designed a temporary installation for BOFFO, a non-profit organization whose stated mission is to “foster collaborations between artists, designers, communities, theorists, and the media in the exploration of contemporary subject matter that inform and educate the public, through innovative, participatory programming.”

The installation showcased the work of Nicola Formichetti, who has acted as Fashion Director for Lady Gaga, Creative Director for Mugler, and fashion stylist to Uniqlo, MAC, and V Magazine. According to a press release, Formichetti displayed his most recent work as well some of his previous work, including several of his original ensembles designed for, and worn by, Lady Gaga. The BOFFO installation was timed to run concurrently with New York City’s 2011 Fashion Week in September and was open to the general public.

When first conceptualizing the project, Gage says, his mind went to history, as it often does, considering that he also holds a degree in art history.

"Generally my mind goes to history when presented with new problems, just to consider previous solutions, and then determine what has been done, what hasn’t, and what we are capable of doing today. When I starting thinking about this project, as it had to do with showing clothing, my mind immediately went to the portrait by Jan Van Eyck called "The Arnolfini Wedding." This painting was the world’s first ‘complete portrait,’ in that the painting itself contained a convex mirror in the background that allows the viewer to see the front and the back of the couple being presented. So from one viewpoint, using architecture, and reflection, you are able to see fashion in a full 360 degree way. Our design took this idea to its logical extreme, pushing the idea of reflection to where there are literally millions of ways to see the clothing in the space – millions of reflections. Jan Van Eyck would be proud, I think."