September 21, 2007 Aitor throup at man spring/summer 08 by Anthony Symonds The press release for Aitor throup reads, “ taking the traditional New Orleans funeral marching band as an artistic starting point” (Well of course, who wouldn’t) Part installation part film this genuinely weird presentation takes us on a melancholic journey through the designer’s response to Hurricane Katrina. Using ingenious animatronic tailoring that re configures from protective clothing to instrument case and beyond via an intricate network of zips Throup attempts to protect his imaginary band from the oncoming devastation. This is so nearly the stuff of which pretentious twaddle is made but Throup and co manage to keep it real. Thoughtful, visually engaging and oddly moving, Check it out now on Show Studio! THE FUNERAL OF NEW ORLEANS