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FASHION
DESIGN

New contemporary

art/fashion film

A-E-I-O-U released

by an all-star crew

he Many Faces of Depression, a
new-normal jewellery collection
Tdesigned by Gisèle Human of
SA accessories brand Waif, has found its
visual expression in a new short film in
five parts. Entitled A-E-I-O-U, the series
sensitively explores and highlights mental
health issues arising from our global
experience of the Coronavirus pandemic
in order to offer healing.
“Self-care and attention to our
relationship with the self has never
been more important,” states filmmaker
Francesco Nassimbeni. “The global
pandemic, compounded with the existing
stresses of our hurried, outward-gazing
lifestyles has resulted in a global mental
health crisis. It is evidently a crucial time
to reflect on what is important to us, what
nourishes us, what brings us peace.”
The notion of ‘safe space’ was integral
to the discussions between designer and
filmmaker. Implementation of safe space
was used not only to construct the world
of A-E-I-O-U, but also provided a useful
methodology in bringing people together
to focus on the neglected practices of
gentleness, softness, sensitivity, and
empathy.

20 Issue 245 • dw