Gareth Pugh

Gareth Pugh is a London based fashion designer. His work has been described as 'performance art' over fashion due to his interesting use of volume in garments. Famous people who have worn his pieces include Lady Gaga and Kylie Minogue. His pieces contain a very abstract yet punk aesthetic due to the unconventional shaping and patterns featured in the clothing.

One of Pugh's most iconic looks was his inflatable balloon garments that focus mainly on shape and form. It was featured in his debut show in London Fashion Week and during his show he became the "latest addition to a long tradition of fashion as performance art that stretches back through Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, and Vivienne Westwood". He has been compared to various Punk Fashion icons because of the unique and strange take on traditional pieces he presents. There is a focus on the mood evoked upon seeing the outfits and the message behind them rather than just creating the garments to shock.

The inflated black and white latex design was among his most famous and recognisable. The models in the 2007 Spring show walked down a soft, cloud-like catwalk in complete latex that covered their hands and faces. The geometrical and 3D designs are evident of Ridley Scott's Si-Fi film 'Legend' that Pugh has said was a huge inspiration behind his designs. The most well know design is a black and white body suit with inflated cubes around the arms and the waist to give the impression of hip pads that would be used on Elizabethan style clothing; the use of a small ruffle around the neck is also inspired by this time period. The latex covers the models face and has small holes for the eyes and mouth. Upon the head is a black hat that is similar to a beret but with a large inflated spike on top. The white boddice with black legs draws the eye as the piece is very unique. The fetish undertones are evident of Leigh Bowery and many of his creations. The fabric that covers the face is similar to many of his and also has a feel of bondage or gimp gear. After the show, many people questioned who would wear the designs that he was displaying, giving Pugh the reputation for creating performance art as well as fashion.

Other pieces from Pugh include a minimal colour palette, mainly only using red, white and black. Sculptured designs are still a huge part of his style and have become his signature. Inspiration is drawn from classic pieces such as Victorian and Elizabethan presented in the shape, corsetted boddices and ruffles but with a futuristic, Si-Fi twist shown in the use of materials like latex and leather and interesting inflated pieces. The looks are almost always very modest and therefore show the garments as the most eye-catching part of the show rather than drawing attention to the models bodies or faces. By covering the faces of the models it is easier to focus on the pieces, shape, patterns and craftmanship of the outfits and we can appreciate the messages behind his work, tapping into his punk roots and inspirations.