Whatshot
Colab Tokyo an exhibition of photographs by Mark Lanning
Colab Tokyo an exhibition of photographs by Mark Lanning
Tokyo is considered to be one of the global fashion trend-setters. Designers and retailers from around the world critically follow the trends and styles initiated in Tokyo. Lanning accompanied Laurie and Gary Holmes on a ten day visit to Tokyo in March, accompanying them while they visited some of the city's premier boutiques and fashion stores to check out their summer ranges.
"Tokyo is six months ahead of us on the cutting-edge of global fashion. Designers like the Holmes Brothers can find inspiration in both start-up and established brands in Tokyo. Travelling with them was amazing. I learned so much by watching them closely examine shapes and styles and the detail of textures, fabrics, buttons and finishings. Of course the Tokyo look will be adapted to suit the casual feel of Durban. But the inspiration was definitely there. The trip gave me huge insight into the industry and an understanding of the intensity and risks involved,' considered Lanning.
Using his iPhone5, Lanning captured the essence of this complex and beautiful city and its myriad people - an old book seller in his shop; the breathtaking modernity of the public buildings; a late-night game of pool; a young man on his mobile phone; visitors to the Museum of Contemporary Art, and a shiny car.
"The images are a very personal take on my experience of Tokyo. The city is very orderly and clean; a freshly scrubbed patina. The textures were amazing and I met astonishing people; they are so well mannered."
12 carefully-chosen images make up the exhibition which hangs on the walls of Durban's newest cultural precinct: Saviour Brand in Station Road, to celebration the venue's first anniversary.
Mark Lanning has taken photographs professionally since 1988, He has returned to KZN after spending many years working in advertising in Johannesburg. In Durban he is perhaps best known for his collaborations with design wunderkind, Neil Roake, in his lifestyle and food books. Together they travelled to the New York Food Festival, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Mozambique, producing a series of food stories. He worked with Roake and writer Glynis Horning on a two year project taking images of Soweto which resulted in the now iconic coffee table book - Life Soweto Style. He has collaborated with the Holmes Brothers since '98 on shoots, shows and catalogues.
"I love being part of the creative process in this city - Durban has great positive energy," enthused Lanning.