Anti-static Works on paper

Solo exhibition, Napier Upstairs, 2011

Anti-Static is a sheer and silky exhibition of prints that playfully explores the changing imagery of hosiery packaging from 50's to 80's. She is interested in what happens when these graphics are taken out of context and presented in a different way - layered, side by side, ‘50s with ‘80s. The work explores colour separations in reference to forever evolving print technologies and the visual language of fashion. Adele Daniele is a practicing graphic designer/artist and artistic director of Because I Like You creative studio based in Naarm/Melbourne. She has a background in printmaking and multimedia. She has an impressive collection of hosiery packaging collected over 20 yrs with hundreds of examples of beautifully packaged leggy beauties, both saucy and sweet. Uh-oh Razza matazz!

The work was exhibited in both Naarm/Melbourne and Osaka, Japan.

THE ART OF THE PANTYHOSE

Interview By paintergirl (Gemma Jones)

Feb 09 2011, The Vine

Tell us about your collection of stockings!


It took me a while to realise that I was collecting stockings. I used to buy vintage stockings in op-shops to wear, still in their original packets, but couldn't bear to throw away the packet because the graphics were always so awesome. Then I realised a lovely little collection was forming so I indulged it. 
My collection continues to grow all on it's own, that is my friends look out for them in op-shops too and post me their finds.

The majority of my collection spans from the '50s through to the '80s. I love watching the branding evolve through time, especially the design within one brand. I don't collect past the 80s, although sometimes I find really cheesy '90s packets and can't resist, so I guess the '90s can be appealing as well. 

I've never payed more than a few dollars for anything in my collection. That's my rule. I collect them for so many different reasons, but one reason is because they can be entertaining, like a trashy romance novel can be. 



Describe the magic aura of stockings?


Like a good red lipstick, good hosiery can make you feel like a million dollars and ready for any challenge. Maybe they make us feel protected, maybe it's the promise of the packaging - wear these and you'll be forever beautiful, flawless, young, desirable or even powerful like a super hero. One thing is for sure and that's how exciting it is when you crack open a brand new pair of stockings and wrestle them on. Sheer, silky, opaque, seamed, matt, shiny, bright, patterned, fishnet…the choice is yours. 



What is special about stocking packaging from back in the day?


The packaging, especially pre-'60s when they were still packaged in boxes, is special in the way they protect this precious, delicate beauty object. Layers of tissue paper, cellophane, a separate card with instructional diagrams describing how to put them on, a photograph of a cute girl eating an apple on the box. Precious. 

The hosiery was also screen printed with logos directly onto them, such a great idea that should still be in practise so that we can identify the good from the bad!
I also really love the naming systems used to describe the colours of the hosiery. It always reflects the era. In the '80s Razza Matazz had a collection called "Gelati"  with their by-line "Soft, Cool and Fresh" The colours were named after Gelati flavours. Some packets look like tripped out psychedelic movie posters and some like book cover art for erotic novels. 



What are some of the interesting repeated symbols when it comes to marketing stockings?

Vespas, record players, dogs, cats clawing legs to show the stockings are ladder-proof (yeah right), apples and the eating of apples, lightning bolts, feathers, disco dancing. The dog one is interesting. A brand called Prestige had a logo of a woman walking a poodle that accompanied their main logo. It was present on every packet through the decades but teensy. In the '80s she became the main image, a photograph rather than silhouette logo in the corner, still walking a poodle but wearing a power suit with shoulder pads. 



What did you love about physically making this body of work?


Opening up my boxes of packets and scanning them gave me great satisfaction because I got to look at all parts of the package; the fonts, colours, models and poses, headless and full body, sometimes just face, seams, no seams, photos, drawings, line illustrations and diagrams, die cutting to allow the consumer a peep of the colour and mesh of the stockings. I could go on. 

I really enjoyed extracting the models and graphics from their packets and giving them a new life. I tried to choose slightly awkward models. A half dressed woman in pantyhose squatting can look awkward out of context. Is it sexy, or is it a strange, is it fetishism or is it humorous? I wanted them to be sexy but also entertaining, not just eye candy. 



How would you describe the colour palette of your exhibition?


Technicolor's wild little cousin. Still images that use rich, saturated colour, confident and flamboyant in their delivery. There's nothing natural or organic about the palette, no flesh tones to be seen here.



The show is going to Japan too ... are you doing a special edition of works just for Japan?


Yes, the gallery is mini so the existing Gocco prints will be included. It will also feature an edition of new Gocco prints not seen in the current exhibition. The larger prints will be reprinted but much smaller to accommodate the size of the gallery.



Do you have any Japanese stockings in your collection?


I recently acquired a few packets via an old psychedelic guy who owns a groovy shop of collectables called "FUZZ" in Tokushima. The majority of my collection is Australian but of course I have an international sub collection as well.



What is the ideal soundtrack to this show?

Love On The Beat Serg Gainsbourg

Le Temps De L'Amour Françoise Hardy

Peacock Baby Reiko Ohara


What are YOUR favourite stockings to wear?


The first pair of vintage stockings I ever bought are fishnets with rows of vertical holes worked into the pattern. The are my favourite for special occasions and have stood the test of time. Pins by Leona Edmiston are great because she brought back the old fashioned box, and her name is on them so you know who you're wearing. And lastly the Italian brand Levante for everyday luxury.