APOC Store has always been about championing radical creativity. Operating outside the borders of convention, the platform was originally conceived as a place where a new generation of creatives are celebrated and supported – an ethos which has continued with its latest project – the APOC Grants. First announced a couple of months back, for the scheme, selected designers and artists from marginalised communities will receive:
● A £1000 grant (each) to support the development and production of their work.
● A 6 month mentorship program consisting of bi-weekly sessions with the APOC Team and designers/artists from the community.
● The opportunity to sell their work on its website.
Today, the winning creatives have been announced: Yaku Stapleton, Yining Sun, Jules Bramley, YINGLIN and Hadiyah Hussain – spanning the worlds of innovative and reference-heavy fashion, art and design.
Yaku Stapleton is a Caribbean fashion designer and mixed media artist, currently studying at CSM, whose work has centred around researching how to alter one’s perceptual experience of artwork. “I aim to intrigue the subconscious by experimenting with sensory design, physical depth, and scale. I take reference from nature and the human form to inform my sculptural processes, and then convert the resulting silhouettes and surfaces into wearable artwork”.
Next up is Jules Bramley, a Palestinian/Venezuelan fashion designer showcasing experiments of material manipulation, fabric waste, bio textiles and genderless design. Having struggled with gender dysphoria from a young age, Jules felt that they had to“move away from their predominantly cis White community to broaden their perspective of the world, whilst learning about their identity”. Their process showcases post apocalyptic, decomposing garments that reflect our society and detrimental future.
Another recipient is YINGLIN – the eponymous label created by 22-year-old Chinese designer Yinglin He. Focusing on unique silhouettes, the overall aesthetic of the brand could be described as ‘futuristic couture wear’.
Elsewhere, Yining Sun is a 24 year old multidisciplinary artist, who’s films, ceramics, installations and creative studio EEGGNET was founded just last year. Experimenting with functional materials and creative homeware, she wants to redesign the everyday essentials found around the house.
Rounding things up is Hadiyah Hussain – a brand that champions colour and culture, and is known for its hand printed garments. Influenced by her Pakistani heritage and British upbringing, Hadiyah uses a mix of her own photography and new inspirations as well as archived family photo albums to create her one of a kind prints. All pieces are made from deadstock and locally sourced fabrics and are handmade from start to finish in her London studio. Keep an eye out for them landing on APOC Store!
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