The late Louise Wilson (course director of Central Saint Martin’s Fashion MA) once said in relation to her students, “They should be bringing me a book or something that I haven’t seen, not like some obscure chant book by Dominican monks, but an image of the way they see the world.”

For LA based artist and photographer Tasya van Ree, the way in which she sees the world is something every young dreamer could draw inspiration from – with a vision which explores the inner workings of the human spirit, the human form, landscapes, nature and animals – her work is a visual and emotional journey translating deeper connections with the intelligence and beauty that exists all around us.

With such an engaging creative sensibility, it’s no surprise she’s been propelled into the public eye as everyone’s latest art crush, resulting in solo exhibitions in LA, New York, and Paris – Girl power yet again challenging the exclusionary structures which frame the industry for female artists.

With her unique and often sartorial style, her affinity for hats has also not gone unnoticed, which is why iconic US brand Stetson invited her to collaborate with them for their 150th-anniversary.

“Tasya van Ree is an ideal collaborator for Stetson”, says Izumi Kajimoto, the brand’s Chief Executive Officer. “She looks strong, empowered, and captivating in her hats, which is something that also comes across in her extensive body of work. Stetson has always been a part of contemporary culture and we’re excited to continue to work with artists whose visions relate to our brand.”

Taking one of Stetson’s vintage felted styles as a blank canvas, van Ree called upon her artistic flair to create a unique design for the brand – dubbed “The Signature”, the hat is an effortlessly stylish and structured piece of modern minimalism – in itself, a work of art.

We caught up with van Ree to find out more about the collaboration with one of fashion’s most enduring brands, and her plans for the future.

So tell me how you got involved with Stetson for this project?

I’ve worn a vintage Stetson for years and have been photographed in it quite a few times in the social media realm. Through that exposure we began a dialogue and soon after, the collaboration was born.

And what was the inspiration behind your hat design?

Horses. I wanted to design a piece of art that reflected their intelligence and also that captured the beauty of their philosophical language of power, their sensuous lines and their majestic sense of spirituality and danger.

What was the creative process like for you?

Combining the world of fashion and the natural world was quite seamless. They both operate on the same level. It was just a matter of finding the moment through sketches where the influence of an emotional state of mind connected to an image of artistic appeal. It was a process, and after a good amount of time “The Signature” hat was drawn out and created.

So does it feel like you’re officially an ambassador for hats now?

“Ambassador” sounds really formal, I just really like wearing hats!

Hats are an extension of ones self, the minute you put one on, it becomes a living part of you – what is the quality that makes the hat come to life for you?

There is a harmony between my physical appearance and my internal existence. My hat is the conductor that creates this relationship.

So would you ever go all out and do an ‘Isabella Blow’ then, and wear something outlandish, just to move away from your signature comfort zone?

I’ll do anything once!

The English have an inbuilt understanding of the peculiarities of life and that’s often expressed through fashion – living in LA, how would you describe the dress codes there?

Objective.

What about defining your own style?

Half Japanese / half Dutch.

Yes, I can see how you’ve shifted towards a more conceptual approach in your style vocabulary. So do you think you’ll move on to other fashion collaborations in the future? Absolutely. I’ve fallen in love with the collaboration process. I’m open and would love to join forces with other creative minds in all forms, whether it’s in fashion, art, music, etc. 

Let’s talk more about art and photography – I read recently that over 50 new galleries have opened in the last two years in LA. It’s always been a cultural mecca for creativity, but it must be cool to see the city now really embracing and shaping art?

Art is elemental in the progression of a culture’s evolution. I’m really interested to see what profound changes LA will make as the art world becomes more and more pronounced here.

And has there also been a shift towards those galleries supporting and exhibiting work by more female artists?

I feel as if they have. I’ve been going to more openings and shows that are exhibiting female artists. Much more than in the past.

Are you planning any new exhibitions of your own work?

Yes, I have a photo exhibition with The Curator LA next month and also in Paris at the beginning of November. And later in the year / early next year, an artist residency show in Mexico.

So talking of exhibitions, Annie Leibovitz is returning to her project ‘Women’ and is now going to tour a show documenting portraits of 21st century females, to present how women’s roles are changing in a new feminist society.

Who would you personally like to see in that roll call?

Every woman in the world should be photographed for this project. Every one of them has a voice that is changing the world in which we live in on a daily basis.

“The Signature” by Tasya van Ree for Stetson style will be available from October 2015 at stetson.com. Photo credit: Anais & Dax anaisdax.com

 

Tags: Fashion, Hats, photography, Stetson