The Whitby Goth Festival sparked Slid Needham’s love of fashion and it continues to inspire her today

Read time 4 minutes

Courtesy of Slid Needham.

Slid Needham embodies the spirit of modern artistry, fearlessly blending the abstract with the personal. Her work challenges conventions, confronts censorship, and demands representation with bold conviction.

Slid Needham has become a figure of defiance against the constraints of digital platforms. Instagram’s removal of her accounts due to nudity guidelines highlighted her struggle with over-censorship and sparked a larger conversation about autonomy over one’s body. “Are we being overly censored for displaying our own bodies?” she asks, positioning her art as a form of protest.

Her collaboration with Vivienne Westwood’s Andreas Kronthaler was a testament to the power of digital exposure. A university installation, created with Adam Leach and Lucas Nettleton-Tate, caught Westwood’s eye through Instagram. What began as an academic project evolved into a transformative opportunity in high fashion.

Needham is no stranger to the impact of plagiarism in the creative industry. Her perspective is clear: credit and support must be given to young talents, rather than exploiting them. “At the end of the day: credit where credit is due. Help support young talent, don’t exploit it!” she emphasizes, advocating for a culture of respect in design.

Courtesy of Slid Needham.

The superficial inclusion of trans models as a trend is a concern that Needham openly critiques. True representation, in her view, involves genuine commitment to diversity and equity across all creative platforms. It’s about more than appearances; it’s about fostering authenticity.

For Needham, design and life are inseparable. Her experiences with gender identity and sexuality play an integral role in her creative process, creating a constant dialogue between her personal reality and artistic expression. “The process itself has to be lived,” she explains, weaving herself into her art.

Makeup was another medium for Needham to express her identity. Beginning as early as college, it became a canvas for experimentation and self-discovery, adding another layer to her bold and fluid artistry.

Looking back, Needham acknowledges the value of embracing self-love and taking risks. “More self-love, take even more creative risks, and most of all accept help when you need it,” she reflects, offering advice to her younger self—and perhaps to all emerging creatives.

Needham’s work actively challenges traditional gender norms, subverting expectations through her designs. Her process is deeply personal, projecting her lived experiences into her creations and using them to shift societal perceptions.

Her advocacy for underrepresented voices extends beyond her designs, as Needham seeks to create space for narratives that are often overlooked or misrepresented. She views her work as a bridge to amplify those stories.

“Art should never fit inside a box. It should shatter it entirely, leaving behind a new way of seeing the world.” – Slid Needham

From her work with Vivienne Westwood to her partnerships with makeup artists like Val Garland, Needham thrives in collaboration. These opportunities not only showcase her versatility but also reinforce her belief in mutual growth within the creative community.

In an age where visual content is consumed en masse, Needham urges creators to respect originality. Her stance on plagiarism reflects her broader commitment to integrity and innovation in the creative field.

Navigating the conservative and often restrictive landscape of the fashion world hasn’t been easy, but Needham’s resilience has turned obstacles into opportunities. Her ability to challenge norms is a driving force behind her success.

Courtesy of Slid Needham.

Beyond her artistry, Needham’s impact lies in her ability to provoke thought and inspire change. Her designs speak to a larger movement toward freedom, expression, and acceptance.

Whether it’s her uncensored outfits or avant-garde makeup looks, Needham’s aesthetic choices reflect her fearless approach to creativity. Her work is a visual manifestation of her ideologies, making her an artist who lives her message.

As she continues to evolve, Needham’s commitment to authenticity and innovation ensures her place as a transformative figure in the industry. Her voice challenges the status quo and redefines the boundaries of creative expression.

Courtesy of Slid Needham.

Needham remains steadfast in her belief that artists should have the freedom to express themselves without fear of censorship or judgment. She hopes to see a future where platforms like Instagram embrace a more nuanced understanding of artistic nudity, allowing creators to share their work without compromise. “Art is meant to provoke, to challenge, and to inspire. Limiting it only stifles creativity,” she states.

Beyond her own work, Needham is passionate about mentoring aspiring creatives. She frequently shares insights about navigating the industry, emphasizing the importance of resilience and authenticity. “There’s no roadmap for this kind of work. You have to trust yourself and be willing to learn from every experience,” she advises.

Looking ahead, Needham envisions a legacy built on breaking barriers and empowering others. She aspires to create not only iconic designs but also a lasting impact on the creative industry by fostering a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and fearless expression. “I want my work to be a reminder that art has the power to change the world,” she says with conviction.

Text by
Kaden Mason

Posted
October 18, 2021

Text by
Kaden Mason

August 9, 2018

Slid Needham is a politically-charged young creative, whose expertise cannot be put into just one category. Her make-up looks are abstract, her outfits uncensored – a fact that has left her at odds with Instagram’s nudity guidelines. In the past, the platform has removed Needham’s account, inciting her to test the boundaries and raise the question, “Are we being overly censored for displaying our own bodies?” Last year, the CSM womenswear designer collaborated with Vivienne Westwood on the Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood show performance, whilst working closely with MUA Val Garland on the models’ make-up looks. In conversation with SLICK, Needham opened up about the nature of creative plagiarism, the need for authentic, well-meaning representation in the industry, and the role her sexual and gender identity plays in her design process.

Photograph courtesy of Slid Needham.

Slick: How did your collaboration with Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood come about?

Slid: In the beginning of my second year of university, I curated – alongside Adam Leach and Lucas Nettleton-Tate – a performance/installation piece. Through Instagram, it caught the attention of a member of staff at Vivienne Westwood and we were all called for a meeting to discuss a performance at the Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood show in March 2018. The rest is history 🙂

Slick: What are your thoughts on plagiarism within the industry?

Slid: I think that taking someone else’s work and claiming it to be your own is wrong. I think we can all agree that we have been victim to it, in some degree. It’s so difficult when we live in an age of the mass consumption of imagery online. At the end of the day: credit where credit is due. Help support young talent, don’t exploit it!

Slick: If there was one thing within the creative industry that you could change, what would it be?

Slid: I think we still need equal/fair representation (not just shoving a few trans models in because it’s trendy or progressive).

Slick: Does your interest in design coincide with your everyday?

Slid: I have always found my work and my everyday to be one blur almost. My process always seems to be different to the people around me. I’m not only inspired by my beautiful and talented friends, but also my experiences with my sexuality and my gender identity. The process itself, I feel, has to be lived and projected back and forth between the mannequin and myself (kind of like a conversation).

Slick: When was the first time you wore makeup?

Slid: I know that the first time, I must have been incredibly young, but I only really started experimenting properly at the beginning of college (LAU) 2016.

Slick: If you could travel back in time 5 years and give yourself some advice, what would it be?

Slid: More self love, take even more creative risks, and most of all accept help when you need it!

Design Philosophy Photography Slid Needham Unique Perspectives Vivienne Westwood

By & Large

With that barely-there chiffon and bold prints, Kim fuses Fendi’s past with its future

Read time 5 minutes

Text by
Kaden Mason

Photography by
Fendi

Fashion by
Kim Jones

Posted
June 25, 2022

Courtesy of Fendi

Kim Jones' Fendi AW22 collection is a testament to the beauty found in blending contrasting elements

In the ever-evolving landscape of high fashion, designers are continually challenged to push the boundaries of creativity while honoring the rich heritage of iconic fashion houses. Kim Jones, renowned for his innovative vision and meticulous craftsmanship, unveiled his highly anticipated Autumn/Winter 2022 collection for Fendi, sending ripples of excitement through the fashion world.

Jones’ collection is a study in contrasts, where hard meets soft, winter intertwines with summery motifs, and vibrant colors collide with neutral hues. Each garment serves as a testament to Jones’ masterful ability to harmonize seemingly disparate elements, creating a cohesive and visually arresting aesthetic.

At the heart of Jones’ collection lies a commitment to timeless elegance, embodied in every meticulously crafted piece. From sharply tailored jackets to flowing chiffon trousers adorned with delicate ruffles, each garment exudes an understated sophistication that transcends fleeting trends.

Courtesy of Fendi

Jones draws inspiration from the rich history of Fendi, delving into the brand’s archives to unearth hidden gems from pivotal moments in its evolution. By reinterpreting archival designs through a contemporary lens, Jones pays homage to the brand’s storied legacy while injecting a fresh perspective into each creation.

Central to Jones’ creative vision is a nod to the visionary work of Karl Lagerfeld, Fendi’s legendary former creative director. Drawing inspiration from Lagerfeld’s iconic collections, Jones infuses his designs with elements of Lagerfeld’s bold aesthetic, resulting in a collection that seamlessly bridges the past and the present.

Jones’ collection blurs the lines between fashion and art, with each garment serving as a canvas for his creative expression. From bold prints to intricate detailing, every aspect of the collection reflects Jones’ keen eye for design and his unwavering commitment to craftsmanship.

In reimagining traditional menswear silhouettes for the modern woman, Jones empowers his audience to embrace their individuality and express themselves through fashion. From tailored coats to structured suits, each piece in the collection exudes confidence and sophistication, empowering women to command attention with every step.

“Contradictions fuel creativity in fashion. Kim Jones’ Fendi AW22 collection beautifully merges opposites, creating a harmonious symphony of style.”

While Jones’ collection pays homage to traditional menswear tailoring, it also celebrates the inherent femininity of the female form. Flowing dresses and ethereal chiffon fabrics evoke a sense of softness and sensuality, creating a harmonious balance between masculine and feminine elements.

Jones’ collection serves as a testament to the enduring power of innovation and tradition in fashion. By seamlessly blending historical references with contemporary design elements, Jones pushes the boundaries of traditional fashion norms, creating a collection that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.

Courtesy of Fendi

At the core of Jones’ collection lies a commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail. Each garment is meticulously constructed using the finest materials and techniques, resulting in pieces that are as luxurious as they are timeless.

As spectators behold Jones’ collection, they are invited on a journey through time, where past and present converge in a mesmerizing display of sartorial excellence. Each garment tells a story, weaving together elements of history, culture, and innovation to create a narrative that is uniquely Fendi.

Courtesy of Fendi

Jones’ collection reflects a melting pot of influences, drawing inspiration from diverse cultures and artistic movements. From the bold prints of Lagerfeld’s Memphis Group-inspired collection to the timeless elegance of Fendi’s archival designs, each piece reflects a fusion of cultures and perspectives.

With his Autumn/Winter 2022 collection for Fendi, Kim Jones reaffirms his status as a visionary force in the world of fashion. By pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation, Jones challenges conventional notions of beauty and style, leaving an indelible mark on the fashion landscape.

In addition to its aesthetic brilliance, Jones’ collection also embodies Fendi’s commitment to sustainability and ethical fashion practices. From sourcing eco-friendly materials to implementing environmentally conscious production methods, Fendi remains at the forefront of the sustainable fashion movement.

As Jones’ collection makes its debut on the global stage, it marks the continuation of Fendi’s storied legacy and its ongoing commitment to excellence. With each impeccably crafted garment, Jones pays homage to the brand’s illustrious past while paving the way for a bold and exciting future. In conclusion, Kim Jones’ Autumn/Winter 2022 collection for Fendi is a triumph of creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation. From its bold contrasts to its timeless elegance, each garment reflects Jones’ unparalleled vision and his unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of fashion. As the fashion world eagerly awaits the next chapter in Fendi’s storied history, one thing is certain: Kim Jones’ legacy will endure for generations to come.