Cabinets of Curiosities | Shoreditch Design Triangle: Stephen Ritter x Aime
Release H0062 (cropped)
2020
Giclée print on 308gsm Photorag paper
42x59cm
Edition of 10
Stephen Ritter
Stephen Ritter was born in England and currently lives/ works near Brick Lane. He trained in Graphic Design at the London College of Communication. He uses art to take an honest look at the world and the self-identity and as training to quieten the mind and come into an experience of 'now'. his work has been shown in group and solo exhibitions, most recently at the Mall Galleries, Discerning Eye exhibition.
Follow Stephen on Instagram and Twitter.
Stephen is local to the Redchurch Street neighbourhood. we asked him what drew him to Shoreditch and who, from the many artists who have called the area home, would he most like to collaborate with.
What inspiration do you draw from Shoreditch?
Its open-mindedness.
Does your work reflect your community and if so, in what way?
No, not specifically my community, but I use art to question the universal human experience so it can be seen differently.
If you could collaborate with any Shoreditch-based artist - past or present, living or dead - who would you choose and why?
On the edge of Shoreditch lies what’s left of William Blake at Bunhill Fields. His work was inspired by his experiences of healing, forgiveness, and light. I would like to join with him to communicate this.
Aime
French Cambodian sisters Val and Vanda Heng-Vong arrived in London in their early twenties and quickly understood that their new city had an appetite for the understated but intriguing dress that they had grown up with in Paris.
Brands ranging from Isabel Marant to Michel Vivien and Officine Générale have all found a home at Aimé. a dedicated following of women now enjoy the expertise of a team dedicated to finding clothes that are luxurious, feminine, and functional – pieces that work for women’s lives.
Aimé is more than a fashion store, however - our customers might return to hear a signature Vanda playlist, browse homeware, or discover a new artist from across the channel.
Aimé has been bestowing their chic vibes on Redchurch Street since 2013. Their laidback style perfectly complements the ethereal beauty of Stephen Ritter’s artwork. we sat down for a chat with Annie Ihonor to find out more about her history with Aime and to see Shoreditch through her eyes.
“My history with Aime started back in 2019. after visiting the Brick Lane Vintage shops, I wandered along Redchurch street and vividly remember abruptly stopping in the middle of the street when I spotted Aime. the aesthetic and decor was like none I had ever seen. the clothing screamed Parisian chic without being a French cliche.
Coincidentally, I was looking for a job and decided to walk in and enquire. I was immediately welcomed by a stunning French girl who made me feel comfortable and was happy to push forward my application. Fast-forward to two and a half years later and I am now managing the Shoreditch boutique which feels like a second home.
Shoreditch has a tick to it, a life of its own, like most parts of East London. Surrounded by various social hubs like Boxpark, the London Shuffle Club, and the new Jolene cafe. it is a place that holds every form of entertainment and unique performances.
The importance of championing independent designs is one that is fast becoming more and more looked up to and appreciated. In a world with so many ideas and business concepts, it is very easy to get lost in it all. this leads to inauthenticity and mass production. Looking at independent businesses and designs such as Aime makes you feel like you are one in a million people who have access to it.
This is what we offer at Aime. We carefully curate pieces that are unique in design and we offer a bespoke service to each of our clients and keep the numbers of our stock limited, so as to reduce waste and keep our clients coming back. I believe our clients love to feel special, much like anyone else and we offer a service that you'll find hard to get anywhere else.”
Cabinets of Curiosities is a project for Shoreditch Design Triangle, a cultural event that celebrates the creative industry in East London.
it was established in 2008 as a vehicle for the designers, companies, and institutions situated in the East End to collaborate on the promotion of their activities during the London Design Festival.
click for more information.
