Who is Zoe Bradley?
A paper artist – A Fashion Visionary dedicated to creating inspiring silhouettes inspired by nature, Couture and theatre.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I actually love what I’m doing now, but I would love to have been a dancer! I love the line and silhouette of the body. I would love to create paper costumes for a great dance company, the choreographer; Wayne McGregor would be an interesting combination!
Who inspires you and why?
The late, Alexander McQueen. In 1997 I worked closely with McQueen to create the showpieces for S/S RTW 1999 show no: 13. This was a very demanding role as his ideas were often very challenging but it was an invaluable experience. One that has fuelled my own ambition to create my own challenging works of art!
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Hmm, create a 3-day weekend; it would be great to have more free time!
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Venice, as it’s so romantic that you can only approach it by boat and I love weaving through the canals on the gothic gondolas.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
The Tate modern – I love the building for the vast void of the turbine hall, and the view of London from the members bar!
What are you currently reading?
The French Gardener by Santa Montefiore. I love the idea of bringing an old secret garden back to life!
What are you currently listening to?
Ludovico Einaudi, he sounds rather like painting in space with music!
Happiness is?
Walking on beach at sunset with my whippet, Bluebell, and my children and partner.
What does the future hold for you?
Developing a lighting range in paper. Hopefully…
Born in England, Zoe Bradley studied fashion design at Middlesex University. After graduating with a first class honors in 1997, Bradley went on to work with fashion designer Alexander McQueen. Her time spent with McQueen reaffirmed in Bradley that her trademark would be to create spectacular silhouettes.
From there, Bradley was commissioned by the London store Liberty to make a range of paper showpieces, including a dress and head pieces for their Christmas windows in 2005. This moment was to define Bradley’s skill in working with luxury papers. Her clients include Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chopard, Tiffany, Christian Louboutin and major department stores around the globe from Lane Crawford in Hong Kong, Bergdorf Goodman in New York to Harvey Nichols & Harrods in London.
Bradley’s work has featured in American and Chinese Elle, British Vogue, British Harper’s Bazaar, Wallpaper and Italian Casa Vogue. Bradley’s work has also been published in numerous books on paper art and exhibited in London, Amsterdam, Hong Kong and New York.
Zoe’s new work, The Red Rose Dress has been exclusively commissioned by Chatswood Chase Sydney. A stunning bespoke couture gown consisting of nearly 400 hand-sculpted paper roses that will be on display until 30 November 2016. For more information, visit: www.chatswoodchasesydney.com.au for details.
Image: Zoe Bradley (supplied)