Garden of Eden
Garden of Eden
A brief recap of Spatial Therapy’s Spring ‘23 set design project, a fashion exhibition by Brittany Sade Guerin.
Brittany Sade Guerin is a force.
Since I met her in November 2022, Brittany’s been walking the path of motherhood, healing herself with song, curating shows, looking grief in the face, facilitating high ticket art sales, making her own art and considering the denouncement of her social assets. One thing about Brittany…..she’s willing to experiment. She’s open about the fact that she’s trying new things and critiquing herself and surprising herself and succeeding; all while lifting up droves of creators in the process.
The Garden of Eden fashion exhibition is yet another one of Brittany’s experiments gone right. She brought together three fashion designers and a jewelry designer to present their textile-interpretations of a garden paradise. Brittany set out to remind people that the Earth is itself a Garden of Eden, accessible and abundant as ever.
My design studio, Spatial Therapy, was asked to help build the set. Despite having worked four months straight and stumbling with exhaustion, I couldn’t bring myself to turn down the garden paradise .
I pulled up to Atlanta Contemporary with Spanish moss spilling out my windows. My backseat was stuffed with various greenery collected on a recent road trip and accoutrements from my personal stash. “You would drive around with a car full of plants,” somebody joked. And would.
The invite-only event was originally set in Atlanta Contemporary’s pavilion. But because the day was cold and wet, we ended up indoors in a gallery setting. At the last minute, certain aspects of the show had to be reworked to fit the raw white walls of our new back drop.
After unloading bags of fresh magnolia leaves and vines of jasmine, I had to orient myself among the team consisting of curator, producer, designers, models, photographers, assistants, etc. My job isn’t straight forward. I was there as set designer but not quite art director. I had to find the sliver of space I fit inside for the night, which meant taking direction from the curator, delegating tasks to assistants, giving and receiving real-time critique and calculating the logistics of my impending outfit change - all while severely sleep deprived.
Five small platform stages, built by Johnathan Crawford, the event producer, laid the foundation for the set. My leaves and little things did the rest.
While we prepped, Eye Am November captured BTS magic. Bomb Jahlaam got us loose with the tunes. Mercury Roze situated the charcuterie.
Designers
The exhibition kicked off with Tanaya McCullough’s collection - five looks that I’d describe as sensual and airy. Deep cuts, high slits and sheer fabric established intimacy between the models and spectators.
The following presenter was Marion Maynor. Six looks from her 07 FALL OF MAN collection embraced a “soft floral palette of lavender, lilac, and eucalyptus.” Models were adorned with fresh flowers and herbs. Three tenets of Marion’s designs are “structure, color and balance.” See more of her work here.
Lastly, Kieta Rose presented six denim&lace looks. Kieta combined the structure of denim with the delicacy of lace to create functional, comfortable looks for men and women that can be dressed up or down.
I was unexpectedly called to the stage by Brittany, who wanted to acknowledge all who helped bring the show to life. I played bashful, but truth be told, I love to be acknowledged and I love to be on stage. Plus my fit deserved her moment.
The show was beautiful and it’s an honor to have participated. I met new people. I flirted. I drank wine and had the obligatory heartfelt women’s room talks. I danced at the after party and drank more wine. I finally went home and collapsed.
When I accepted the invitation to help build the set for Garden of Eden, I knew it was the absolute last project I could take on before scheduling a strict period of rest. My break is just about over and I’m relieved to say it did what it was intended to do. I feel refreshed and much less stressed.
Shout out to everyone who participated in the Garden of Eden fashion exhibition and all who came out to support the one-night special. Additional credits below.
Credits
Curator: Brittany Sade Guerin
Producer: Johnathan Crawford
Fashion Designers: Marion Maynor, Tanaya McCullough, Kieta Rose
Jewelry Designer: Simone Taylor
Set Designer: Kenniese S. Franklin of Spatial Therapy
Models: Cleopatra, Cha Cha, Alexzander Roseman, Kaylah Haglar, Maisha, Marlon Fisher, Schuy
Music: Bomb Jahlaam
Catering: Mercury Roze
Photography: Eye Am November, Johnathan Crawford
Assistants: Kayla Jenae, Judah, Isiah McCalla
Location: Atlanta Contemporary Art