Artistic Practice
Elaine Foster-Gandey is a multidisciplinary artist and founder of Elaine Foster-Gandey Art, located at 15 Queen Street in Lostwithiel, Cornwall. Working across an array of media including sculpture, performance, textiles, drawing, ceramics, and video, her practice is deeply invested in themes of transformation, collaboration, and social engagement. Foster-Gandey often uses the dress and the human body as central motifs in her work, exploring them as symbols of identity, memory, and personal narrative. Through her art, she examines themes like costume and mask, autobiographical storytelling, and the power of reenactment.
Her most recent project, Hope – Weaving Communities Together, gained international recognition when it was showcased at the 2024 Venice Biennale. This ambitious installation was funded by the Arts Council and involved the creation of a monumental dress sculpture. The piece was constructed from upcycled fabric strips donated by the London College of Fashion and inscribed with messages of hope by over 500 participants from marginalized communities. Participants included women from refuges, members of Nepalese women’s groups, Gurkhas, people with visual impairments, mental health participants, the elderly, and schoolchildren. Each individual contributed their unique voice to the fabric, uniting personal stories into a collective expression of resilience and optimism.
Foster-Gandey’s commitment to collaborative, community-based projects reveals a passionate dedication to inclusivity and social transformation through art. Her work not only celebrates the power of creative expression but also seeks to forge connections between diverse groups, weaving their experiences into a tapestry of shared hope and mutual understanding.
Fashion Visionary & Artist
Elaine Foster-Gandey has worked as a trailblazing fashion artist, stylist, and entrepreneur whose career spans over three decades. Working at the intersection of art, fashion, and commerce, she has collaborated with some of the industry’s most iconic designers, brands, and models, including John Galliano, Jasper Conran, Vivienne Westwood, Kate Moss, and Naomi Campbell.
Foster-Gandey’s influence extends beyond styling and public relations—she revolutionized the fashion retail landscape by founding Designer Sales UK, a pioneering guerrilla-style pop-up concept that made high fashion accessible to all. At a time when luxury shopping was exclusive, her groundbreaking approach helped democratize style, paving the way for today’s dynamic, inclusive shopping experiences.
Guided by the belief that everyone should be able to look good, regardless of class, age, color, gender, or physical ability, Foster-Gandey’s work has continually challenged industry norms. Her enduring impact on fashion and retail continues to inspire creativity, inclusivity, and accessibility in a world where style is for everyone.