Karl Lagerfeld often proclaimed that art was art and fashion was fashion—and that never the twain should meet. But not everyone agrees. In fact, many of us feel that most creatives—whether painters, poets, sculptors, fashion designers, or composers—draw inspiration from a celestial, soulful, otherworldly source that shares a commonality across the arts. That said, we’ve had some stylish conversations with three local artists who prove just what happy bedfellows art and fashion can be.
Kate Tova, Artist
I live and breathe art. I enjoy pushing boundaries by exploring different surfaces to paint on. Some of the gowns I’ve created are 100 percent covered with thick paint, so when I attend a gala, wearing them becomes a form of performance art in itself.
HL: Bold colors play a role in your formidable work. You explore subjects such as impermanence, transformation, identity, and connection. What are you working on now?
KT: I’m always experimenting. Since I create full-time, it’s essential to make my work feel more like play. I’ve been having fun adding more dimension to the new work, so my studio currently resembles a science lab full of various experiments. The radial compositions I call “Glitches” burst with energy and life, so it would be wrong to confine them to a traditional canvas. I never limit my materials to what I can find at an art store. The canvas can be made out of books, clothes, or broken dishes. I’ll mix paint with different gels and microballoons and apply thick, juicy layers over any interesting surface I can get my hands on. I recently started introducing female figures into the Glitch compositions. They pulse with a sense of ecstasy and overwhelm—a mix of intense feelings similar to looking at Jackson Pollock’s Convergence and Bernini’s Ecstasy of Saint Teresa at the same time. Through the energetic use of color and shapes, I redefine modern femininity as powerful, bold, and rebellious.
HL: This is the fashion issue, and we have noticed that sometimes you overlap into the realm of clothing and accessories. Can you tell us about your recent handbag and dress creations?
KT: I live and breathe art. I enjoy pushing boundaries by exploring different surfaces to paint on. Some of the gowns I’ve created are 100 percent covered with thick paint, so when I attend a gala, wearing them becomes a form of performance art in itself. Despite being quite shy and introverted, when I wear my art, it gives me tremendous confidence—I feel like a superwoman.
I began painting on handbags as a way of carrying my art (and confidence!) with me when I’m dressed more casually. The recent collection is painted on purses I acquired in Florence. It’s a pleasure to apply lush brush strokes on the beautiful Italian leather.
HL: Can you describe the antecedents of your artistic journey?
KT: I grew up in the countryside in the middle of nowhere. There wasn’t much to do, which made me an excellent observer. Once I discovered painting, it became my obsession, my meditation, my way of connecting to nature and myself and making a positive impact on others. As a kid, I mostly painted nature, then transitioned to female figures, and now it’s a combination of both. I love exploring the constant transformation of nature and identity in my work. It’s overwhelming how fast our modern world is changing. Instead of desperately trying to keep things as they are, I find it liberating to accept the constant change and portray that change visually.
Committing to being an artist in a financially struggling family was the craziest idea ever, but I’ve worked nonstop since then, and it got me to where I am now. As an artist, it’s hard to call it work; it’s more of an obsession and passion without any beginning or end.
HL: How does the Bay Area contribute to your work?
KT: The Bay Area is an inspiration overload. When I moved here, I was overwhelmed by the combination of breathtaking nature and innovative technology. This vibrant environment inspired my “Glitches” style. The creation process involves months of collecting memories: photographs, studies, and sketches that I later combine in a bouquet and distort using various physical or digital techniques, eventually painting the composition.
I love the abundance of color in the architecture, blooming parks, and public art. Coming from 7-month-long winters, the fog feels more like a gentle face moisturizer. Honestly, I wish I could just walk my dog all day through the headlands and all the neighborhoods to soak in all the inspiration.
HL: What does fashion mean to you?
KT: To me, fashion is art. Art doesn’t follow trends; it is timeless. Whatever item I touch, I treat as artwork. Even if I cover a small bow tie in paint, it becomes a unique conversation piece, now or a few years from now. Fashion is a significant part of our self-expression as humans. Many people hide their true selves because they fear others’ opinions, and certain standards and expectations in our society reward blending in. We only have one life. If you see a wild fuchsia dress or shirt and adore it, don’t overthink what your friends and colleagues will think—just rock it!
Alan Do, Owner Noovo Bloom Floral Studio
Creating a flower parade for the gay and LGBTQ+ community is a dream I hold close to my heart. Someday, I hope to turn this dream into a vibrant reality, celebrating love, diversity, and the beauty that blooms within each individual.
NoovoBloom.com
HL: Tell us about your love of flowers and your artistic journey so far. We’d love to hear more about your Gay Pride winning installation.
AD: Growing up in Saigon in the 1980s, a time when the city was closed off and resembled a third world country, my parents provided entertainment by maintaining a garden at home. My father had a passion for orchids, and I would spend hours observing the plants as they grew. Witnessing the results of watering them and seeing them bloom, attracting butterflies, bees, and songbirds, was a rewarding experience. Occasionally, I even spotted green snakes. Later on, my family entered the wedding business, and I started creating wedding bouquets using local flowers for clients and friends’ families. I attended the city’s oldest flower show, a place my grandfather used to frequent. During my time at the Academy of Art, I would pass by a hotel known for its captivating flower displays in the lobby. Intrigued, I inquired with the concierge about the creator of those displays and eventually started freelancing for the studio. This period coincided with the need for a job to cover rent and student life expenses.
I continued my journey by collaborating with various event companies in the city. I took the initiative to Google the best designers in town and made cold calls, asking for freelancing opportunities. This period marked the pinnacle of my career, as I immersed myself in learning and absorbing techniques, concepts, and the rich history and lifestyle of the iconic city of San Francisco.
HL: You said that, after a decade of working behind the scenes, you felt that it was time to “step out and develop your own style.” Tell us more.
AD: Fortunately, a friend connected me at the last minute for a flower show, providing the opportunity to showcase my creativity. With unlimited support from floral friends, the installation for Gay Pride was a resounding success. It was a highlight of my career. The concept aimed to embody the personality and spirit of the gay community by creating a unicorn theme, celebrating the uniqueness and beauty of everyone, much like the diversity found in flowers.
Creating a flower parade for the gay and LGBTQ+ community is a dream I hold close to my heart. Someday, I hope to turn this dream into a vibrant reality, celebrating love, diversity, and the beauty that blooms within each individual.
HL: Flowers are elegant, sculptural, evocative, and transitory—much like fashion, How do you think fashion and flowers go hand in hand?
AD: Flowers serve as a massive inspiration for all designers and humanity alike. The keen eyes of fashion designers have played a pivotal role in shaping my artistic perspective. The endless journey of creativity has been greatly influenced by the likes of John Galliano and Jean Paul Gaultier. Their dramatic designs evoke a profound connection, making me feel immersed in the rich tapestry of Western lifestyle and history, which stands in contrast to my own background.
HL: What are you working on now?
AD: Currently, I’m focused on detoxing from past influences, aiming to cut off old inspirations and influences. It’s a gradual process, part of my effort to reboot myself for the new era of modern floral design in the USA. With the younger generation of designers bringing in fresh styles, the world of floral design is transforming rapidly, aided by the boost of AI. Over the last nine months, I’ve immersed myself in AI, helping me develop the 2YK Style—a blend of lavish Rococo or Baroque style with an oriental flair. I’m slowly integrating this style into my designs, and I’m pleased to share that some of my floral creations are selling well for Gump, Williams Sonoma, and Neiman Marcus. The positive feedback from buyers is encouraging as I navigate this exciting phase of my artistic journey.
HL: What aspects of the Bay Area influence your work?
AD: The Bay Area is truly wonderful, adorned with a distinct and diverse style, and its people are exceptionally talented. As a new immigrant resident, I’ve found it challenging to stand out among the multitude of unique styles and services offered by the many talented artists in the community. However, I believe that, like the formation of a diamond crystal, the beauty and uniqueness emerge under pressure. The process might be time-consuming, but it’s an essential part of the journey.
HL: You’re doing a lot of wedding designs. Tell us more.
AD: I’m currently immersed in crafting new floral designs tailored for weddings and the modern bride. In today’s context, hosting a wedding has become a luxurious life event, and I’m determined to contribute by providing unique and special moments through my floral designs. Introducing a fresh wedding floral design concept poses a challenge within the well-established wedding industry in the Bay Area, but I embrace this challenge with enthusiasm and creativity.
HL: What defines you?
AD: What truly defines me is my commitment to exploring and going with the flow of the design industry’s rhythm. Each day brings new styles and developments, and my passion lies in serving the community by offering the beauty of celebrating life through flowers and various forms of art.
HL: Thoughts for those who want to enter your field?
AD: I aim to pass on the inspiration, just as I received from previous designers who generously shared their knowledge and creativity with me. It’s a beautiful cycle of inspiration that I believe enhances the collective creativity within the design community.
Bip Apollo, Artist
I’m a character. Everything I make or do is larger than life—and a bit surreal. I love to express myself through a mix of bespoke, luxury, and street clothing. I would love to bring some of the Met Gala vibe to San Francisco.
bipapollo.com
HL: Sometimes your work overlaps with fashion, and we’ve admired your decorative clothing. Can you tell us about that?
BA: I’ve painted/made sculptures in 30 countries, and in every country, I love seeing the mix of styles. I try to collaborate as often as possible with the locals because it brings me a lot of joy and happy memories. This yellow suit was a collaboration from Italy, made with an underground art curator known as Ego Io Ego; my last canvas series was a collaboration with German designer Anthon Raimund.
HL: How does the Bay Area contribute to your work?
BA: I will never leave the Bay Area. I currently split my time equally between Monaco and San Francisco when I’m not touring in other countries, and I intend to keep a place in San Francisco the rest of my life.
HL: This is the fashion issue, so we’d love to ask you what fashion means to you. How does it play a role in your art?
BA: I’m a character. Everything I make or do is larger than life—and a bit surreal. I love to express myself through a mix of bespoke, luxury, and street clothing. I would love to bring some of the Met Gala vibe to San Francisco.
HL: What is your motivation right now?
BA: I’m sleepless, working on a 15-foot sculpture for the European Union and moving into monumental-sized sculptures and small bronze sculptures. Note, I have a bronze sculpture coming out soon for former Mayor Willie Brown. In general, I am really excited that my years of quietly studying sculpture are suddenly exploding and re-defining the entire brand of Bip Apollo. Between that and the move to Monaco, it has been an amazing year.
HL: What else would you like to tell us?
BA: It’s always great to hear from Haute Living, and I’d like to thank my style inspirations here in San Francisco, such as Joel Goodrich, Antonio Contreras, Camelia Skikos, Saul Sugarman, Devlin Shand, and, of course, Kate and Alan.