V O G U E | Diaspora: Recycled materials

Bonsai Couture is the latest series of artwork from Guerra de la Paz, the Miami-based Cuban artistic team of Alain Guerra and Neraldo de la Paz. Originally sourcing their materials from the waste bins of second-hand goods shipping companies in Miami's Little Haiti, the duo still make their sculptures primarily from the discarded, repurposed or recycled items of daily life.

Bonsai Couture combines the traditions of bonsai making with the practices of haute couture or high fashion. Each piece represents individuality redefined not only with delicacy but also with an element of fantasy and extravagance.

The ancient practice of aesthetic miniaturization of trees has existed for over a thousand years. This meditative process of cultivation involves shaping and sculpting a tree to resemble mythical dragons, animals, and birds. The process of design and creation in haute couture has similar characteristics - time-consuming, hand-executed techniques, custom fitting one-of-a kind pieces made of high-quality fabrics.

For Guerra de la Paz, integrating the techniques and philosophies of these two disciplines contributes to a universal dialogue inspired by the divine quest for perfection.

Bonsai Couture is on exhibit at the Galerie Kashya Hildebrand, and is also the first Swiss exhibition of Guerra de la Paz.

Guerra de la Paz

Bonsai Couture
Chinois, Bonsai Tree, 2011

Painterly, Bonsai Tree, 2011

Aye, Bonsai Tree, 2011

Fifi, Bonsai Tree, 2011

Gaughin, Bonsai Tree, 2011

Pink Pom Pom, Bonsai Tree, 2011

Red Pom Pom, Bonsai Tree, 2011

Indochine, Bonsai Tree, 2011

Courtesy Guerra de la Paz / Galerie Kashya Hildebrand, Zurich

Bonsai Couture, June 8 - August 15, 2011

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Italian fashion designer Myriam Bottazzi explores fields that swing from art to design. Her activity can be described as a creative, intimate and instinctive journey. In the world of fashion she designed and produced body ornaments with the Myriam B. brand. The originality of her work has been particularly appreciated by important fashion brands such as Valentino, Maurizio Galante, Gattinoni, Les Copains, Martine Sitbon. She has created for them unique articles used in fashion shows, and at the same time she has designed and produced accessories collections more suitable for commercial production. She works through ordinary objects, and uses fabric together with raw hard stones, cellulose and recycled materials. Her trademarks are both a refined style and an on going study for unique materials. Her creations , accessories, jewels and clothing are exposed in her store Luogo Myriam B. in Rome.

A tribute to Frida Kahlo