CONNECTING BUSINESSES

MANOLO BLAHNIK

Act IV partnered with Manolo Blahnik to connect the iconic designer with the Wallace Collection, facilitating a unique collaboration that brought together fashion and fine art. Our initial proposal focused on exploring the creative synergies between Blahnik’s archive and the museum’s renowned eighteenth-century holdings.

Working closely with the Wallace Collection’s curators, we helped shape an exhibition that paired Blahnik’s shoes with artworks that have long inspired his designs—from Rococo paintings to decorative objects. Each gallery explored a different theme, creating a rich dialogue between past and present, and highlighting the craftsmanship, elegance, and imagination central to both Blahnik’s work and the Collection. The result was a deeply curated experience that celebrated the artistry of shoemaking and reaffirmed fashion’s place within the broader context of cultural heritage and aesthetic innovation.

Manolo Blahnik collaboration with the Wallace Collection

DIAGEO

Act IV worked closely with Diageo to connect the company with the art world by facilitating a collaboration with internationally renowned artist Jim Lambie. Our initial proposal involved identifying an artist to create limited edition artwork labels for Diageo's Special Release Prestige whisky brands, with the potential for a broader partnership with artists and arts organisations. We began by thoroughly examining Diageo's brand values, the history of the brands, and the unique stories behind their Limited Special Release bottles. This ensured that the selected artist and Diageo’s values were aligned in terms of creativity and vision.

The result was a commission for Jim Lambie to design a bespoke whisky cabinet, combining Scottish heritage with Lambie’s distinctive art style. This limited edition piece, crafted to house Diageo’s rare and exceptional liquids, became a celebration of Scotland’s legacy and a stunning fusion of art and craftsmanship.