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I couldn’t believe my eyes yesterday when I saw the Chanel bagel bag. Two of the most important things in the world had finally come together. So of course, even though I can barely afford my NYC rent, I had to find out where this bag can be purchased. Turns out, artist Chloe Wise pulled off the greatest fashion prank OF ALL TIME (you hear, Kanye??). SHE is responsible for the bagel bag!! And we all thought it was Karl–even Racked.
Her other work includes a Prada “Ain’t No Challah Back(pack) Girl” backpack, Louis Vuitton Baguette and Chanel Crouton. Clearly, this chick knows that carbs and designers = life. Get to know Chloe and check out the some more of her sculptures in the slideshow.
SHEfinds: What inspired you to make food designer bags? Why food?
Chloe Wise: Specifically bread. Bread holds the connotation of status and wealth (think breadwinning, or “dough” in rap). I make work based on puns. So the first was Louis Vuitton baguette because the bag is literally titled that. I then moved on to make more such as Croissant Dior, and a Prada Challah back pack entitled “Ain’t No Challah Back(Pack) Girl.”
SF: How did you decide which food to pair with a specific designer?
CW: I base it on the pun. Sometimes a title will just come to me and I’ll be inspired to make the work. In other cases the physicality of the food product matches the shape of the bag I’m basing it off of. I also look for beauty and hilarity (my favorite combination): some bread shapes are beautiful in color and texture, and funny cause they hold a relevance in Jewish culture (for example my matzah inverted cross).
SF: Did you know India Meneuz was carrying your purse to a Chanel event? How did this come about?
CW: I asked India to model the bag for the fake campaign I made for it. For each of my bread bags there is a corresponding fake advertisement to further the confusing effect of the sculpture and my commentary on advertising culture. For example Ashley Smith modeled the challah backpack.
SF: You’ve made food designer bags with bread. What’s next?
CW: I also do painting and video work , all of which deals with themes of consumerism and advertising, and is done through a lens of humor. In terms of this series there will be a book of all the fake campaigns as well as a corresponding infomercial style video piece.
SF: Will people ever be able to buy these? If so, where?
CW: Yes, when I show these in exhibitions they are always for sale through the corresponding gallery. These are art pieces, not accessories (although I love that India wore it: but I see it as performance art) so they are meant to be hung on a wall – but of course you can do with it whatever you please. The bagel specifically will be for sale at the upcoming RX art auction in NYC.
[Photos: Chloe Wise]
