Grace Coddington has been described as the most influential fashion editor of the past 30 years, and her Gracespace alternative folio is a testament to her continued relevance.
As Creative Director at American Vogue, the legendary stylist has produced some of fashion’s most striking and enduring images. A camel, a biplane and a monster truck convene in the California desert. A trio of Dalmatians flank Naomi Campbell in a white convertible. It’s all part of the striking imagery that defines a Grace Coddington photo shoot.
But there is another, more whimsical, side to Grace’s creativity. Since the publication of her book of drawings, The Catwalk Cats, in 2006, Coddington has attracted a following for her illustrations. Her inimitable style is characterized by spare lines and a dry sense of humor. Gracespace, commissioned by Artspace, is a limited edition curated selection of 10 archival Coddington prints.
Artspace is a Phaidon Global Company, owned by international publisher Phaidon Press, based in the UK. Artspace is the leading online retailer of contemporary art and the Gracespace collection is sold exclusively through their online platform. Phaidon asked Portfoliobox to develop and craft an alternative folio that would be elegant, simple and fun.
The Base and Lid style is a contemporary alternative to traditional Folio or Clamshell style packaging often seen in limited edition art print collections. The classic lid lifts off to reveal a base with a flange reminiscent of a candy box. A raised platform provides a stage for the prints, and a simple grosgrain ribbon lift provides easy access to the works and removes the risk of dog-earing or damaging the prints.
The platform and inside of the lid are lined with an all-over print showcasing playful cat and mouse doodles drawn by Grace and inspired by her love for her two cats. A whimsical self portrait of Grace and her cats, taken from Catwalk, appears on the cover. The execution of the alternative folio elegant simplicity and the design is fun.
Given the short run nature of this limited edition, the alternative folio was perfectly suited to a digital press. All of the decorative printing was achieved with an HP Indigo digital press on Classic Crest paper from Neenah. The end result is a perfectly crisp, multicolor print with a smooth matte appearance. Remove the ribbon and the box is 100% recyclable- but who would ever want to part with this fun keepsake?
To learn more about Gracespace, click here to view the collection on Artspace.
If you would like to learn more about limited edition fine art portfolios, contact us!
