Shanghai Fashion Week might be taking over the city, but not-for-profit organization The Dark Mattress (TDM) are throwing an Alternative Fashion Week from April 11-18 across various venues across the cities. Inspired by the Studio 54 scene, TDM have been turning heads with secret events. We chat with the mysterious group about their motivations.
What is The Dark Mattress (T.D.M)?
Takky: The Dark Mattress is a platform where new ideas can be bounced around freely. We derived the name from the dark matter, the hidden framework that holds the universe together, much like creativity does with society.
How did TDM come into existence?
Maurice: Tak, Danny and I talked about creating an art factory like Andy Warhol did in the 60’s. A place where like-minded people hang out and subsequently create amazing projects together. We kicked the whole thing off in October last year when Danny quit his job and moved to Shanghai.
Danny: TDM is…a subculture, or gathering for “Creatives,” which have always been there. We just give the community which knows no bounds a name. We want to keep pushing the boundaries with artists we work with.
What kinds of artists does TDM usually work with?
Maurice: As long as you are based in China, do really cool and original work we’ll invite you into our mattress.
On the business side of things, please describe who might attend TDM events.
Danny: Patrons are in their twenties & thirties working in diverse fields ranging from musicians to designers, film directors to photographers, architects & artists.
Now back to China. Why did the trio choose Shanghai?
Takky Tak: Well, we love Shanghai. There is a lot of creativity here and we meet talented groups of people on a daily basis, but there is no platform to promote up and coming artists who usually have a lot more to offer in terms of being original and creative but need more nurturing.
// TDM Alternative Fashion Week: Apr 11-18, 7-10pm, free entry. For venue information and to pick up tickets, contact tdm@thedarkmattress.com.
Photos by Takky Pictures.
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