Thom Browne unveils his latest creation, “…TIME TO SLEEP…”, challenging fashion and art at Milan Design Week.
Renowned for his avant-garde approach to fashion, Thom Browne reveals his latest creation, “…TIME TO SLEEP...”, at the prestigious Palazzina Appiani during the April 2024 Salone del Mobile in Milan. Browne’s artistic vision, characterized by sublime themes, repetition, and individuality through uniformity, takes center stage in this surreal installation. Drawing inspiration from eclectic sources such as the Bauhaus concept of gesamtkunstwerk and fairy tales like Cinderella, Browne defies traditional design codes to redefine modern culture.
In the performance “…TIME TO SLEEP…”, Browne transforms the neoclassical elegance of the Palazzina Appiani into an unexpected space for rest and contemplation. The grandeur of the Hall of Honor serves as a backdrop for six simple mid-century beds adorned with custom Thom Browne by Frette bedding. As performers dressed for sleep arrive, they eschew traditional slumber and instead opt for Browne’s characteristic gray reinterpretation of mid-century office wear, preparing for the work of their dreams.
The performance unfolds as participants embark on their dream journey, accompanied by sounds of slumber and lullabies. While they rest, a curious synchrony emerges between the mundane activity of their naps and the symmetrical environment of the Napoleonic-era space, encouraging viewers to reflect on how clothing influences public perception and behavior. This captivating experience highlights Browne’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of fashion and art, inviting spectators to explore the intersection of dreams and reality.
“…TIME TO SLEEP…” builds on Browne’s previous explorations of repetition and uniformity, resonating with his past efforts in the art of performance. Notably, his 2009 presentation at Pitti Uomo Immagine in Florence featured 40 identical desks and employees dedicated to synchronized writing, marking his debut before the European audience. Browne’s designs, renowned for their precision tailoring and American sensibility, have earned him numerous accolades, including multiple CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year awards and the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award.
