November 2, 2004 Gareth Pugh by Jason Atomic The highpoint of the recent Kash Point “battle of the boutiques” show was, for me, another chance to see the bizarre constructions of Gareth Pugh. I encountered one of the models backstage, bemoaning the fact that his pretty face would be obscured from view by a long black beak like cone. I reassured him that he was in fact very lucky to be modelling one of the best pieces by the most original designer in the show. Gareth’s surreal, sculptural body distorting designs are like Salvador Dali and Leigh Bowery collaborating on costumes for a ballet based on the paintings of Hieronymus Bosch. Crafted from such unlikely materials as a body-stocking filled with balloons, fur, gaffa tape, cardboard, goat skulls, his eclectic approach challenges the wearer as well as the viewer. sketch:Atomic