Yes, but how? Find the answer with Jean Pierre Blanc, founder of the Hyères International Fashion, Photography and Fashion Accessories Festival, “activator” of participative design, accelerator of unbridled creativity, who, in 35 years, has revolutionised our perception of the new generations of designers.
Sandrine Maggiani: You announced the re-programmation of the festival “live edition” from 15 to 19 October 2020. What did this choice mean and what are the consequences for its organisation and its future?
Jean-Pierre Blanc: A” life-saving” operation performed in one weekend when the confinement was announced to secure its rescheduling, because for us, it’s impossible not to experience it LIVE! We spent two months searching for resources and support from our official partners as well as the state who guaranteed their help, whatever the outcome. We also realized how fragile our structure is, because even if our renown is international, our ecosystem remains local.
courtesy of Hyères Festival-Laurence Kubski
Today, although the outcome will depend on how the situation evolves, we have resisted to maintain the same presidencies, Jonathan Anderson for fashion, Paolo Roversi for photography, Hubert Barrère for fashion accessories and the presence of Emmanuel Macron is still being considered. It is a strong symbol of acknowledgement of our “public service” mission and support for young artists. And a bet on the future. Because what drives this festival is to be turned towards the future, to be a catalyst of creative energy, a connector of young creators and professionals.
SM: You have been very reactive on the internet by developing digital activities such as live workshops, do you plan to go “all digital” like Fashion Week will do?
JPB: This experience compelled us to be inventive and we were lucky enough to be followed and relayed by our community. This allowed us to present live workshops ” with remuneration for the artists ” and to promote talents from fashion, design, photography, architecture, but also from other transversal creative fields…I am very happy to be able to extend these events on a monthly basis.
courtesy of Hyères Festival- Carol Muthiga
Still, I want to keep the “physical” event. Digital cannot replace everything. Even if these devices are now becoming essential for communication, I believe in the magic of the gathering and the fashion show. How can you deprive a designer of the presentation of their collection, the choice of the models, make-up artists, music, venue, scenography…it’s a moment of communion and emotion that digital cannot compete with.
The fashion show and the “Rencontres”, our series of round tables and seminars, are maintained. For me, festivals are an active and meaningful time, full of new connections and interactions. They are the best way to encourage young artists to take risks, regardless of the commercial stakes, to make innovative and often visionary proposals.
SM: You referred earlier to young designers, how do you see the future of the creative industry?
JPB: First of all, for this young generation of designers, optimism is essential to regain confidence and take risks. Then, pedagogy and “example-based” transmission to create more interdependence, more participative design. To exert a useful, humble influence, to make know-how, craftsmanship and technology interact as the major “Houses” do.
courtesy of Hyères Festival – Céline Shen
Integrate throughout the process the environmental, social, collective, local and fair production dimensions. Also, in Hyères, the students’ ecological and civic commitment is more and more “natural”, because they share the same need to offer solutions for a sustainable and uncompromising future.
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