Claire Silver and Emi Kusano Teamed up in a Digital Garment Auctioned by Christie's and Gucci

We got some insight into Shinjitai, an on-chain wearable that fuses GUCCI's aesthetics, vibrant Tokyo fashion influences, and Marie Antoinette-like craftsmanship to showcase the power of cultural bridging and digital integration in fashion's future. 

Shinjitai, Claire Silver x Emi Kusano, 2023

Christie's and Gucci have just joined forces for the highly anticipated collaboration, 'Future Frequencies: Explorations in Generative Art and Fashion.' This ongoing event showcases the works of talented minds in the new media art space, providing a fresh perspective on the convergence of generative systems and digital wearables. With a total of 21 NFTs available for bidding, the auction aims to redefine boundaries by challenging traditional notions of clothing creation. While integrating art and technology in the fashion realm is definitely not a new concept, its ability to inspire creativity enthusiasts and style mavens remains unwavering.

Amidst this auction, one contribution stands out—the collaborative artwork of Claire Silver and Emi Kusano. Together, they have crafted Shinjitai, an intangible garment embodying imagination's pinnacle. This piece seamlessly blends neo-classical aesthetics with an enthusiastic embrace of the latest craze.Taking cues from the streets of Harajuku, an environment familiar to Kusano, and the timeless elegance of Grace Kelly, the on-chain artwork exudes a deliberate, delicate, and powerful vision. It effortlessly intertwines tradition with innovation, resulting in a mesmerizing juxtaposition.

Shinjitai, Claire Silver x Emi Kusano, 2023

Guided by Gucci's legacy, Silver has masterfully employed diverse mediums to bring this artwear to life. She has created an ensemble that radiates pure essence through AI-Collaborative techniques, advanced mathematics, and drawing influences from ancient paintings and tapestries. In a mesmerizing purple hue, this avant-garde 3D modeled dress is a piece tailored for Harajuku and the metaverse. Its complex shape glides across the fabric, adorned with meticulous detailing, culminating in a captivating embodiment of cutting-edge virtual wearable. Paying heartfelt homage to art, sophistication, heritage, and the limitless possibilities of the future, this artwork merges artistic expression with innovative fashion.


But one of the most noteworthy aspects of Shinjitai lies in Kusano’s input. Reflecting on her journey with artificial intelligence, Kusano shared, "My exploration of AI in art making dates back to 2017 and 2020. The technology was still nascent during those periods, and I faced challenges in creating works that truly felt artistic." However, with the rapid evolution of AI tools in recent months, things are not the same anymore and Kusano has been able to unlock a bunch of options and accelerate her production pace.

Shinjitai, Claire Silver x Emi Kusano, 2023

The genesis of their collaboration popped up during the Bright Moments exhibition earlier this year in Shibuya, Tokyo. Kusano fondly recalls the moment, saying, "It was at this show that I had the privilege of meeting Claire Silver, an artist I have long admired." She further explains, "Claire's deep appreciation for Japanese street fashion, combined with her recognition of my distinctive style and expertise, immediately resonated with me." This encounter became the catalyst that ignited their synergy, propelling them further on their shared project. Their partnership continued to thrive as they exchanged ideas during the NFC event in Lisbon, further solidifying their bond and fostering an efficient back-and-forth.

While Silver's remarkable dedication significantly drove this initiative forward, Kusano has undoubtedly injected her own magic into the artwork. "I had the opportunity to make meaningful contributions by infusing the essence of GUCCI and envisioning its integration," she said. "Claire and I embarked on a crazy odyssey, where I generated thousands of images and meticulously curated elements from this extensive collection." Through their combined efforts, they skillfully leveraged Kusano's expertise to come up with an artwork that authentically reflects their vision and voices.

Shinjitai, Claire Silver x Emi Kusano, 2023

To sum up, the dynamic fusion of their diverse backgrounds and cultures created Shinjitai, an artwork harmonizing GUCCI's aesthetics with vibrant Tokyo fashion influences and Marie Antoinette-like craftsmanship. This boundary-pushing gem transcends traditional fashion norms, showcasing the transformative power of cultural bridging and the integration of digital tools in fashion's future. 

The "Future Frequencies: Explorations in Generative Art and Fashion" auction, hosted by Christie's and Gucci, is currently underway and runs until tomorrow, July 25th, on Christie's 3.0 on-chain auction platform. This lot features a multi-dimensional experience, combining a digital artwork, a versatile 3D file for diverse applications, and the avatar itself, all accompanied by a 50-yard physical fabric roll adorned with the AI-collaborated pattern.

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Benoit Palop

Benoit is a project coordinator, digital content strategist, writer, and curator based in Tokyo, Japan, with over 10 years of working experience. Originally from the south of France, he has lived in various cities around the world, including Paris, NYC, Miami, and Montreal. He has been exploring web (sub)culture and digital art since the early aughts and deepened his knowledge with an intensive academic journey, including a Master's degree in research in digital media from Sorbonne University in Paris. He has collaborated with companies, studios, and media outlets such as SuperRare, MUTEK, VICE, i-D, the Society for Arts and Technology, Club Media, YD, and The Creators Project (a collaboration between VICE and Intel), to name a few. Through curatorial projects, research, and writing, he enjoys exploring virtual worlds and decentralized networks. He is also passionate about discussing NFTs, anime, and ramen.

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