Pray Babes Pray – review

Print by Felippe Johann

Usually the haunt of well-coiffed hipsters, Dalston Superstore may seem an unusual venue for an exhibition of tapestries inspired by stained glass windows. Nonetheless, until Sunday 24 February, this neon-lit den of debauchery will be hosting Pray Babes Pray, a selection of prints by up-and-coming fashion designer Felippe Johann. In the words of the website: “This time sinners are welcome.”

The small but charming exhibition adorns the walls of the bar – there are framed prints, a back-lit screen and hanging drapes. The shapes and visuals mimic the feel of a church, but the vibrant colours and trippy patterns give the display a contemporary feel, making it fit in nicely with the iniquitous surroundings. In a modern twist, the pictures are created with the help of Photoshop and Illustrator software to develop and replicate patterns, which are then printed digitally.

The prints are inspired by Johann’s love of the repetition, patterns and colours found in stained glass windows. Catholic school-educated, Johann doesn’t consider himself religious but is fascinated by the wealth of artwork found in churches. He is particularly inspired by the Romanesque and Early Gothic period. “That was when the glass designs became more daring,” he says. “My favourite without a doubt is the work in the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. Beautiful, beautiful place.”

But it’s not all religion. Johann is heavily influenced by fashion designers such as Thierry Mugler, Rick Owens, Jeremy Scoot and early McQueen. He is also a fan of Pam Hogg and worked for her few years ago, but adds: “What do they say – you should never meet your hero?”

Brought up by an Italian mother and a German father in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Johann learned how to weave and embroider tapestries at his mother’s atelier. At the age of seventeen he left to study fashion design at the University of East London. The relocation felt natural. “From an early age I remember being attracted to the British music and culture,” he tells me.

“I had finished high school and I wanted to learn a new language and have new experiences on my gap year, but 10 years later I am still here. I didn’t speak a word of English and I was so young and immature but thought I knew it all. But I wouldn’t change a thing.”

He now lives in East London and loves the fact that it is “a small creative cluster. I and all of my friends work, live and play here. Sometimes it feels like I live in a really small town.”

Keep an eye out for his name in the next few years. Johann’s work is quickly gaining recognition – girl group Little Mix wore one of his designs on a recent X Factor performance, and, more intriguingly, he created a codpiece that Marilyn Manson wore on his latest tour. Asked about his next project, he responds: “I would love to start working on my own label. Wouldn’t it be a dream?”

Pray Babes Pray
Until 24 February 2013
Dalston Superstore
117 Kingsland High Street
E8 2PB