We were recently commissioned to create an outfit for the latest surgery of world renowned artist Orlan. We were asked to make Olan's harlequin second skin. The operating room, entirely redesigned, becomes Orlan's artist studio from which comes the works of art. The operating room is Orlan's atelier. Other designers such as Paco Rabbanne and Issey Miyake, have designed costumes for Orlan to wear during the surgeries. Poetry is read and music is played while she lies on the operating table fully conscious of the events taking place(only local anesthetic is used).Each surgery has been captured on video. We found this to be an invigorating and satisfying project. As we are more artistic designers in our methods, this was a truly amazing experience to work with such an authentic, talented and lovely artist. -These are the reasons we work in design.

Orlan is appearing in Australia as part of the BEAP festival of electronic arts with her shows The Harelquin Suit and The Pre Colombian Series. The Harlequin Suit debuts at The Bakery Artrage Complex as part of Impermanence on September 12 and the Pre Colombian Series opens September 14th at the Holmes a Court Galleries..