In 1971, the luxury fabric label Scabal commissioned Salvador Dali to create a set of paintings inspired by his vision of menswear in the year 2000. The result was 12 uniquely individual images of future fashion that remain some of the Spanish artist’s most interesting creations.
Salvador Dali (left) with Scabal founder Otto Hertz (right) in 1971
This season, Scabal has used these iconic artworks as the creative force behind the launch of its new Vision collection.
Vision comprises 12 limited edition fabric designs, each taking their inspiration from different elements of the Dali paintings (see examples on the opposite page).
Whether through the golden hues that make up the hair of Lady Godiva or the vibrant scarlet of the Footman’s tunic, each one has its own story to tell.
“The Scabal collection of Salvador Dali paintings are such an important part of our heritage, we felt it was time for people to see them again,” says Scabal director Michael Day. “Our new Vision collection gives us the opportunity to celebrate the uniqueness of these artworks. Over 40 years later the ideas they represent are still worthy of conversation.”
Innovative techniques appear throughout the collection, including a faille weave which makes up the cross from the robes of the Legless Cripple, or the creative use of a 3/1 twill structure to create light and shade across the Mica Hat from Year 2000.
Butterflies feature heavily across the paintings and the multiple colours used to create these delicate designs appear in a number of the fabrics, for instance within the stripes of the Man of 2000 and as a subtle purple highlight in the check of the mimetic character.
A selection of the fabrics directly reference some of the key features of the paintings. The double rim hat of the Dandy is represented with a double repeat stitch across the fabric, while the multiple layers from the Costume of a Chamberlain are illustrated with a herringbone pattern surrounded by pale pink and blue broken stripes to add depth.
The Cybernetic Gentleman’s dramatic cassette drawers form the background pattern on the fabric, with the colours from the painting making the subtle stripes that run through the design.
• Scabal’s new Vision collection is available for a limited time through Scabal stores and a selection of tailors around the world.
• Scabal will be exhibiting in the Premium Wool Zone at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Autumn Edition 2018, on 27-29 September at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).
Guide to the paintings and fabrics (clockwise from top left – painting title followed by fabric description)
Lady Godiva Fully Clothed, May Now Join The Pilgrimage To Santiago de Compostella - The tricolour striped design creates the impression of Lady Godiva’s flowing hair. The sun kissed colour palette is complemented by a more sedate background of charcoal grey.
Mimetic Character, Possible Future Model For The Cover Of The New Yorker For The Year 2000 - This subtle design is created using a 3/1 twill to offer a graphic check interlaced with a soft purple stripe which takes its colour from the patterns within the butterfly of the original painting.
Man Of The Year 2000 Who Will Be Gastronomically Stereoscopic And Stereochemical - A rainbow of colours have been used to create this modern striped design. Each line is linked to the intricate colours and patterns used to create the butterflies within the original painting. The colours appear to jump off the fabric – similar to the way the butterflies were originally added as collage pieces to the paintings.
Year 2000: A Plastic And Mica Hat Filled With Helium Elevating The Spirits Of Depressed Beggars And Maniacs - Taking its lead from the prominent design of the mica hat, this fabric features a repeat pattern of circles surrounded by a subtle check. The 3/1 twill weave creates a luminous reflection of light and a silken look, which along with a soft handle creates a fabric of distinction and quality.
The Stylish Footman In The Service Of A Vagrant - This fabric has been created by weaving the outline of the Stylish Footman’s silhouette into the background of the design and then combining it with a fine red stripe, replicating the dramatic colour worn by the Footman in the painting.
