Our Top Secret Project: Fossil + Dolan Geiman

To read future posts about this partnership, see the longliveart column.

After months and months of mysterious references to a “top secret project” on our blog and Facebook page, we’re thrilled to finally spill the beans and share our big news. No, we’re not expecting a baby (even though our mothers keep hinting) but it does have to do with creation. With no further ado, we’re pleased to announce…..

The Fossil-Dolan Geiman Long Live Art Partnership

Since January, we’ve been working with Fossil to develop products, window display concepts and more as part of a summer-fall collaboration that officially kicks off July 12. A multifaceted partnership with a long list of ingredients, here’s a breakdown of what’s to come:

Four Favorite Artists: Fossil has teamed up with four of their favorite artists to create products that celebrate their love of vintage art forms including: Dolan Geiman, Yellow Owl Workshop, Hatch Show Print, and Paige Russell. For an interactive media kit about Love Live Vintage and the other participating artists, download a PDF here.

Long Live Vintage: Each artist was asked to develop an original, handcrafted work illustrating what Long Live Vintage means to them. Dolan created an original mixed media piece in his signature contemporary Southern style using acrylic and silk screen on recycled wood.

T-shirt + Watch Tin: Fossil translated Dolan’s original artwork into a women’s T-shirt and watch tin. The Dolan Geiman for Fossil T-shirt (retail $28) will be available in retail stores July 25 in the US, Europe, and Asia. (Update 7/12/10) The Dolan Geiman with Fossil T-shirt is also available online here.
Window Displays: In late July, Dolan will travel to Fossil’s flagship stores in Dallas and New York City to install window displays which he has handcrafted with rescued wood, found objects, and other vintage-inspired art pieces.

Live Screen Printing: In conjunction with the window display installations, customers can witness the live screen printing techniques of Dolan Geiman as he works live to create gifts for in-store guests. Dolan will be printing Panel Paintings and small postcards on Saturday, July 24 (NorthPark Center, Dallas) and Saturday, July 31 (Fifth Avenue, New York City). These in-store events will run from noon-5pm and customers will receive a free Panel Painting with purchases of $100 or more in Dallas and $125 or more in New York City. Screen printed postcards (and other southern charm) will be given away free throughout the day.

Upcoming on Fossil Finds: One of our favorite sections of Fossil’s website (in addition to all the amazing watches!) is the Fossil Finds section in which customers may purchase Fossil’s favorite vintage (and vintage inspired) finds. Similar to a hand-culled online flea market of fantastic finds, we think it’s quite ingenious and have been sending friends there to shop already. In the not-too-distant future, Dolan’s work will join the ranks of the amazing Fossil Finds and customers will be able to purchase two of our favorite BOX PRINT reproductions: Fall Foliage and In the Cattails.

Fossil. Life. Style Blog: Look for upcoming posts and video on the artists behind Long Live Art at Fossil. Life. Style, Fossil’s design and inspiration blog.

Photo by Kari Davis

Win Free Art: And, finally, a little birdy told us Fossil fans can enter to win a large Dolan Geiman original at fossil.com/longliveart starting July 20. What better way to spruce up your space than some free, recycled art from Dolan?

Photo by: Chris Nightengale

Phew! It feels great to finally make the announcement. We’re so honored to have partnered with Fossil on this truly dynamic artist collaboration. We couldn’t ask for a more supportive team of individuals. Throughout this entire process, the Fossil team has treated us with a professional attitude and eagerness that I believe many other businesses could learn a great deal from. It takes a team of true visionaries to open up new doorways and initiate these kinds of collaborations. This is the kind of project we’ve been seeking for years so we are so happy that someone has finally said, “Hey, come work with us and do what you do best: make art!” It’s also been fun to start this relationship with folks who share our love for vintage style as well as our dry sense of humor and our addiction to new ideas!

While Dolan heads to Dallas and New York City to unveil his window displays alongside his most trusted foreman, installation guru, and personal photographer, Chris Nightengale, please take a moment to visit fossil.com and show them some love. Here are a couple of our current online favorites, but we’d love to hear what you pick out as well!

(Dress: Hilary Dress, Belt: Reverse Braid Belt, Shoes: Torres Canvas Slip On, Handbag: Winslet Convertible Hobo, Pant: Branson Pant , Watch: Analog Brown Degrade Dial Watch)

Psst: don’t miss your chance to win a Fossil handbag over on The Bright Side Project now through July 7, 2010 as discovered through Fossil’s Twitter feed.