Helmut Lang (artist)

This article is about the Austrian-born artist and fashion designer. For the fashion brand he created, see Helmut Lang (fashion brand).
Helmut Lang

Selfie
Born Helmut Lang
1956
Vienna, Austria
Nationality Austrian
Known for Art
Awards Österreichischen Ehrenzeichens für Wissenschaft und Kunst, 2009
Helmut Lang

Helmut Lang (born March 10, 1956 in Vienna) is an Austrian artist who lives and works in New York and on Long Island.

When he was five months old Lang's parents divorced and sent him to live with his maternal grandparents in Ramsau am Dachstein in the Austrian Alps. When he was ten his father remarried and brought Lang back to Vienna to live with him and his wife. Lang moved out of his father's house at the age of eighteen, and began to teach himself clothing design. A few years later he opened a made-to-measure shop in Vienna.[1] In 1984 he closed the shop and two years later showed his first runway collection in Paris at Centre Georges Pompidou. In 1997 he moved to New York.[1][2]

Lang used unconventional materials such as rubber, feathers and metallic fabrics and redefined the silhouette of the 1990s and early 2000s. He broke away from the runway show-as-spectacle in the height of the 1980s opulence and was the first to ever stream his collection online. As one of the most important designers of our times, his work left an undeniable imprint on contemporary culture and his influence continues to reverberate among the fashion community today.[2]

Lang’s seamless relationship with art has included collaborations with artists Jenny Holzer and Louise Bourgeois. His recent works explore abstract sculptural forms and physical arrangements and space beyond the limitations of the human body. Lang had his first solo art exhibition ALLES GLEICH SCHWER at the Kestnergesellschaft in Hanover in 2008.[3]

Lang has published excerpts from his ongoing art projects Long Island Diaries and The Selective Memory Series in a number of publications, such as BUTT Magazine , Fannzine 137 , Visionaire and most recently The Travel Almanac .

In 1999, Lang sold a 51% stake in his company to the Prada Group, with Prada running distribution and manufacturing and Lang controlling design and advertising. Afterwards, Prada developed a line of Helmut Lang accessories such as shoes, belts and bags, and opened Helmut Lang stores in Hong Kong and Singapore.[1] In 2005 he retired from fashion.

Work

Surrogate Skin (2008), as displayed in the exhibition HELMUT LANG, ALLES GLEICH SCHWER at the kestnergesellschaft in Hanover, Germany, 2008

This timeline outlines Helmut Lang's work in fashion and art.

Solo Exhibitions

2011Make It Hard, The Fireplace Project, East Hampton [4][4]
2008Alles Gleich Schwer, kestnergesellschaft, Hanover [5] Archive, 032c Museum Store, Berlin [6]
2007Next Ever After, The Journal Gallery, Brooklyn [7] Selective Memory Series, Purple Institute, Paris[8][9]
2002-04Helmut Lang, Séance de Travail. Paris.[10]
1998Helmut Lang, A/W 98-99. online.[11]
1997-02Helmut Lang, Séance de Travail," New York.[10]
1988-97Helmut Lang, Séance de Travail, Paris.
1986Viennese Modernism. Centre National d'Art et de Culture Georges Pompidou, Paris [12]

Group Exhibitions

2011Commercial Break. Venice Biennale, Venice [11] Austria Davaj!. MUAR, Moscow [11]
2010Not in Fashion. MMK Museum fur Moderne Kunst, Frankfurt[11]
2009Industrial Light Magic. Goethe Institute, New York
1998Louise Bourgeois. Jenny Holzer. Helmut Lang, Kunsthalle Wien, Vienna [11]
1997art/fashion, Guggenheim SOHO, New York [11]
1997I Smell You on My Clothes. Florence Biennale, Florence[13]

Helmut Lang fashion 1977-2005

This timeline outlines the developments in Lang's fashion as well significant attributes of key collections.

1977Opens made-to-measure studio in Vienna.[14]
1980-84Development of signature collections and made-to-measure service in Vienna.
1986First presentation in Paris. Shown off the Paris fashion calendar as part of the exhibition "Vienne 1880-1939: L'Apocalypse Joyeuse" at The Centre National d'Art et de Culture Georges Pompidou.[15]
1987 Introduction of the first Helmut Lang Men’s collection. Women and Men’s collections are shown together on the Paris fashion calendar. Men’s silhouette marked the return of the narrow and tailored suit shown with the white shirt, back tie and made to measure shoes.
1988 Rejects the structure of the traditional fashion show. Introduces the concept of “Séance de Travail.”
1990 Introduces layering of transparent fabrics in new materials and textures. New approach towards the treatment of these.Introduction of Helmut Lang footwear
1991 Introduces wet looks, thermal fabrics, paper dresses and Native American influences.
1992 Introduces extremely shiny fabrics and textures. Thermal leathers, technical fabrics, padded clothing and body-conscious shapes.[16]
1993 A/W '93-'94. Street style / haute couture presented in wool knits, pure cashmere and velvet. Trademark slit and slashed sleeves first introduced.[17] S/S '94. Introduces cuffed pants, holographic fabrics, holographic sterling silver jeans, lacquered silks, phantom prints, apron dresses, colored tuxedo stripes, stretch daytime smoking coats, raw denim and customized silk dresses. Introduces hand-sprayed shoes and customized dancing shoes. First separate Men’s presentation. Men’s S/S '94 shown as part of the Paris fashion calendar. Begins collaboration with Juergen Teller on backstage documentation and advertising. Lang accepted a professorship at 'Modeklasse', the famous department of fashion design at the University of Applied Arts Vienna.
1994A/W '94-'95. Latex-bounded lace, lacquered silks, smoking coats and suits, nylon veil dresses, airbrushed silks and slash geometric patterns on candy-colored fabrics. Introduced reflective fabrics and nude as staple color.[18] First show presented at 17 Rue Commines. S/S '95. "Hawaiian techno,” high-tech and air-tech. New nylon fabrics introduced.
1995 A/W '95-'96. “Couture customized”, camel and tweeds, bra holsters, chiffon and faille. Introduces two-color bloc paneling. Introduction of Helmut Lang underwear. S/S '96. New take on lace for men and women, delicate materials, electro vibe, visible bras, apron belts and contrast layering.[19]
1996 A/W '96-'97. Techno jungle, covered sequins, floral patterns, cargo styles, Japanese Obi style tops and evening dresses. Introduces signature uniform outerwear. Presented with gold blanked covered audience.[20] Introduction of Helmut Lang Jeans, featuring khakis, chinos, denims, work wear, casual wear, functionals and protective wear.[21] S/S '97. Introduction of sashes, festive and ceremonial wear, dislodged lingerie, tuxedo accessories and colored denim.[22]
1997 A/W '97-'98. Shift toward luxury with the use of classic and pure materials. Reintroduction of fine cashmeres, blended wools and silks. Introduction of funnel neck coats and pleated skirts. Silk tulle, cummerbunds and silk down coated duvet wraps. Definition of new Helmut Lang style with made-to-measure finishing.[23] Second separate Men’s presentation. Men’s S/S 98 collection shown as part of the New York fashion calendar. S/S '98. Introduction of A-line skirt and dresses. Usage of crinoline and pleats. Reintroduction of the classic white t-shirt. For men, introduction of the urban utilitarian. Vintage, painted and sanded denim. Introduction of fold-out clothes.[24] Introduction of “accessoire vêtements.”. Starts collaboration with Jenny Holzer on all Helmut Lang stores.[25]
1998 Relocates company from Vienna to New York. First fashion house to make a transcontinental move.[26] Presentation of the A/W '98-'99 collection over the Internet. First-ever Internet-based fashion show. Launch of helmutlang.com.’’[27] Moves the presentation venue from Paris to New York, beginning with the A/W '98-'99 collection. Introduction of Helmut Lang Eyewear. Helmut Lang advertises on New York taxi rooftops. ‘’First fashion house to use this advertising channel’’. Features photography by Robert Mapplethorpe and Bruce Weber. A/W '98-'99. Luxury sportswear translated to luxury eveningwear. Couture-sportwear, volume and silk-furs. Introduction of the signature parka and burnt denim. For the S/S '99 collection, Helmut Lang moves the presentation ahead of the European schedule (from November to September), having the impact of shifting the entire fashion calendar.’’ [28] S/S '99. Utilitarian motorbike pants and arm bags. Flower and phantom prints, washed silver platinum leathers, silk feather coats and peasant looks. Introduction of extensions as major detail.[29]
1999 A/W '99-'00. Introduction of interior strap extensions. Introduction of shearing and colored leathers. Pure sterling silver fabrics and anti-stress materials. Introduction of the neck-rest. S/S '00. Electric colors, training gear attributes translated into haute couture cuts and fabric, silk organza, feather detailing and transparent layering.[30] Introduction of an extended luxury bag and shoe collection.[31] Introduction of the signature industrial rubber band as functional part of accessories and shoes.
2000 A/W '00-'01. Monochromatic uniforms.[32] S/S '01. Entomologic and marine biological structures. Austrian “Dirndl” influences, sharp strap compositions and lace-up.[33] Launch of Helmut Lang fragrance, Men and Women. Collaboration with Jenny Holzer on fragrance advertising.
2001 A/W '01-'02. Opaque and sheer contrasts, luxury materials, organza and leather trim details.[34] S/S '02. Block panels, patent leather, leopard print silk, fold prints, architectural construction, organza layering and Viennese crochet. Introduction of accessory holsters and fragment pieces,
2002 A/W '02-'03. Structured layering, re-worked fisherman knits, monochromatic and metal blocks, combined scarf-tops and further incorporation of movement. Moves the presentation of collections back to Paris. Separate Men’s presentations through 2004. Women’s presentations continues to be shown together with men’s.[35] S/S '03. Surf references, Montauk-inspired, bright Day-Glo colors, bubble-wrap plastic, high contrast compositions, abstracted wetsuit bands, surf tails, cutouts, inside out made-to-measure trousers, laundry bag pattern, zipper surf couture, zipper smoking stripes and rubber signal prints.[36] Limited-edition silver choker by Louise Bourgeois.[37] Opens made-to-measure studio in New York.
2003 A/W '03-'04. “Urban Warrior” vernacular, aviation fragmented pieces, magnetic flaps, petaled organza, layering as clothing extension, interchangeable and modular pieces, one leg smoking chap and parachute holsters. Introduction of chaps for men and women. Introduction of cashmere and fleece fused material.[38] Collaboration with Louise Bourgeois in the creation of limited-edition pieces.[39] Music by Brigitte Cornand featuring vocals by Louise Bourgeois [39][40] S/S 04. “Dragonfly,” cut outs, battered metal, extended fragment accessories, ornamental pouches, hand wraps, wide color palette, entomologic and urban cowboy references.[41] Introduction of metallic patent leather in clothing and accessories.
A/W 04-05. Eastern European influences, colored shearing, horsehair, copper leather, Hungarian pleats, French maid look, cummerbund tops, drapée holsters, skirt capes, French lace and Russian bark pattern. Introduction of made-to-measure evening dresses.[42] Collaboration with Louise Bourgeois in the creation of limited edition pieces.[43][44] S/S 05. Maritime, rope and knot detailing, bathing suit trompe l’oeil waist. 1000 eye / pearl pieces, fishtails and sailor pant tuxedos. Introduction of elastic seersucker.[45]
Arbor (2008), as displayed in the exhibition HELMUT LANG, ALLES GLEICH SCHWER at the kestnergesellschaft in Hanover, Germany, 2008
Front Row (2009), sculpture commissioned by the Deste Foundation for Contemporary Art, Athens
MAKE IT HARD (2011), as displayed at The Fireplace Project in East Hampton, 2011
MAKE IT HARD (2011), as displayed at The Fireplace Project in East Hampton, 2011

Collections

Helmut Lang's works are part of the following collections:

Architecture Projects

Original Helmut Lang stores (until 2005)

This section outlines the development of Helmut Lang stores and Lang's achievements in the area of architecture.

All of the original Helmut Lang stores (select list follows) have been closed. The last one to close was the Paris location in late 2005. Most of the art-inspired stores had been designed by Lang in collaboration with Gluckman Mayner Architects of New York.

1995

1997

2000

2002

2003

Fragrance Projects

Four different scents were created by Lang in cooperation with Procter & Gamble, all of which were discontinued with the 2005 closing of the brand.

Awards

Bibliography

Key interviews

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Seabrook, John (18 September 2000). "The Invisible Designer: Helmut Lang". New Yorker. Retrieved 16 June 2013.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1
  3. ↑
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1
  5. ↑ kestnergesellschaft
  6. ↑
  7. ↑ hl-art "Helmut Lang Exhibitions".
  8. ↑
  9. ↑ Purple Fashion, Purple Institute, 2007.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Style.com , Condenet, 2007.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 11.6 hl-art "Helmut Lang Bio".
  12. ↑ Zahm, Olivier Langfroid, Artforum International, October 1995.
  13. ↑ Seabrook, John "The Invincible Designer", The New Yorker, September 18, 2000.
  14. ↑ Boyd, Davis. "Helmut Lang" Fashion Windows . March 2, 2001
  15. ↑ Cressole, Michel. “Une Lancinante Variation en Jersey Zippé" (Review: Helmut Lang A/W 86-87 Collection). Liberation. 1986
  16. ↑ Menkes, Suzy. “The Avant-Garde’s Offensive”. International Herald Tribune. Oct 18.
  17. ↑ Menkes, Suzy. “The Avant-Garde Plunges Back To The Middle Ages”. International Herald Tribune. March 16, 1993
  18. ↑ Spindler, Amy M. “Lang Points The Way to a New Elegance”. The New York Times. March 7, 1994
  19. ↑ Spindler, Amy M. “In Paris, The Outsiders Are Officially In”. The New York Times. Oct 16
  20. ↑ Spindler, Amy M. “Another Sure Step at Helmut Lang”. The New York Times. March 15, 1996
  21. ↑ Middleton, Sharon. “Jeans: The Lang View”. Women’s Wear Daily. November 14, 1996
  22. ↑ Spindler, Amy M. “The Wild, The Seductive, The Hip”. The New York Times. October 12, 2006.
  23. ↑ Prigent, Loic. “Ailes d’Ange et Bottines Rouge Sang” Liberation. Mar 17
  24. ↑ “Helmut’s Angel”. Women’s Wear Daily. March 17, 2007.
  25. ↑ Contemporary fashion Archive, "project: helmut lang flagship store new york with installation by jenny holzer" January 1, 1997
  26. ↑ Foley, Bridget. “The Line From Lang”. Women’s Wear Daily. July 17, 1998
  27. ↑ White, Constance C.R. “No Crush: The CD-ROM Runway”. The New York Times. April 1, 1998
  28. ↑ Foley, Bridget. “Lang Sets Early Date For His New York Show”. Women’s Wear Daily. July 7, 1998.
  29. ↑ Menkes, Suzy. “Fast-Forward American Designers Show Their Colors”. International Herald Tribune. September 22, 1998.
  30. ↑ Menkes, Suzy. “European Designers Score on Creativity in New York:”. International Herald Tribune. September 21, 1999
  31. ↑ Borgonovo, Carmen. “Lang’s New Angle.” Women’s Wear Daily. September 13, 1999
  32. ↑ Armstrong, Lisa. “Enter Millennium Woman”. The Times. December 22, 2000.
  33. ↑ Menkes, Suzy. “Bondage to Graphics: Sex in The City”. International Herald Tribune September 23, 2000.
  34. ↑ Menkes, Suzy. “Body Language, Laud and Clear”. International Herald Tribune. February 20, 2001
  35. ↑ Deeny, Godfrey. “Helmut Lang to Stage Men’s Collection in Paris”. Fashion Wire Daily. May 28, 2002.
  36. ↑ Mouzat, Virgine. “Emanuel Ungaro, Le Sud, Helmut Lang, Le Retour, Le Figaro. October 5, 2002.
  37. ↑ Contemporary Fashion Archive October 4, 2002
  38. ↑ Menkes, Suzy. “Lang Solves The Puzzle”. International Herald Tribune, March 8], 2003.
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 Contemporary Fashion Archive "fashion product: t-shirt and cd. collaboration louise bourgeois/helmut lang" January 1, 2003
  40. ↑ Deeny, Godfrey.”Helmut Lang Goes Into Action”. Fashion Wire Daily, January 27, 2003
  41. ↑ Frankel, Susannah. “ New-Look Lang Embraces a Rainbow of Colors”. The Independent, October 10. 2003
  42. ↑ Menkes, Suzy. “Helmut Lang and His Search For Modern Romance”. International Herald Tribune, March 5, 2004.
  43. ↑ Menkes, Suzy, “Lang: Luxury With a Glint”. International Herald Tribune, January 27, 2004.
  44. ↑ Contemporary Fashion Archive "fashion product: janus in leather jacket. collaboration louise bourgeois/helmut lang" March 1, 2004
  45. ↑ Menkes, Suzy. “Upscale Architecture at Saint Laurent; Dior Revived Grunge”. International Herald Tribune, July 6, 2004.
  46. ↑ Contemporary Fashion Archive .
  47. ↑ Contemporary Fashion Archive .
  48. ↑ Fashion Windows "Helmut Lang".
  49. ↑ 49.0 49.1 49.2 49.3 49.4 49.5 49.6 49.7 49.8 Socha, Miles. "Helmut Lang Furthers Asian Retail Expansion". Women's Wear Daily August 4, 2000
  50. ↑ Contemporary Fashion Archive .
  51. ↑ 51.0 51.1 Alfano, Jennifer. "Inner Sanctum". V Man September 2004
  52. ↑ Contemporary Fashion Archive .
  53. ↑ Contemporary Fashion Archive .
  54. ↑ "Reply to a parliamentary question" (PDF) (in German). p. 1897. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
  55. ↑

External links