We chat to Littlegig’s new creative director Bielle Bellingham,
former Elle Deco editor,
about what’s inspiring her Littlegig festival design for 2018.
From left, clockwise: Not Today Magazine, KISUA Hariri, Cristina Celestino for Fornace Brioni, Fred Martins Afro Comb, Eduardo Sancinetti, Gonzaga by Cristina Celestino 2017
“Africa is my muse. Simple is better. High art combines with low. I’m investigating an updated surrealism, where reality is temporarily suspended and the unconscious potential is released. Using the scale of the trees in the forest, I will work with suspension and the juxtaposition of unexpected elements.”
From left, clockwise: NAMSA LEUBA, 3dfordesigners.com, Berta Fischer, Shimmer tavoli – Glas Italia, Last Dance Holographic Dress, Vela Paravent from Arflex, designlovefest
“I’m fascinated by materials that aren’t necessarily in good taste, particularly translucency, iridescence and reflection. In the festival context, I think they’re relevant as they’ll create a new perspective and reflect the theatre of it all.”
From left, clockwise: Sarah Illenberger: Wonderplants, Hat Head by John Millei, Sun Buddies Uma Sunglasses, English Lad / English Lass – Styling by John William – Photography by Holly Falconer, Tony Hornecker for Hole & Corner Magazine
“African design is synonymous with solution based thinking, which will guide the aesthetic of the festival. I always gravitate towards a broken palette, inspired by the Fauvists (the Wild Beasts), early twentieth century artists who used colour to express sentiment. The forest itself will be a strong influence on all design decisions.”
