For Copenhagen’s International Fashion Fair Spring-Summer 2019 under the creative direction of Kristian W. Andersen, Stavros Karelis invites Sami Janjer to co-curate ENLIGHTENMENT in the Special Projects Area.
Together, Sami&Stavros have enlisted Virgil Abloh, Naomi Campbell, Peter Saville and Nick Knight to create unique pieces of work inspired by the power, influence and beauty of light to raise awareness of the global Little Sun Project and it’s great cause.
Founded in 2012 by Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson and engineer Frederik Ottesen the Little Sun Foundation manifesto reads ” We believe that the power of sustainable energy transforms lives, especially for those 1.1 billion of us who live without access to energy. Our premium solar products and our social business model benefit communities without electricity and bring the power of the sun to everyone.”
The global project works on bringing solar energy to communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. Working with local sales agents to support the local economy, they bring clean and affordable light to families for studying, cooking, and working after dark. Globally, Little Sun inspires people to take action, raising awareness and making the power of solar and togetherness tangible for everyone.
Each collaborators work for ENLIGHTENMENT has been underpinned by the need to express and empower the importance of benevolence, generosity and humanitarianism to a new generation.  Design lexicon Virgil Abloh will be creating a special limited edition product to raise awareness of the Little Sun Original lamp. Legendary model/activist Naomi Campbell alongside iconic graphic designer Peter Saville have joined forces to create ten original artworks. With Naomi Campbell providing her favourite inspirational quotes designed by Peter Saville Studio and painted on blankets provided by Woolrich.

“I believe that everyone has the basic right to breathe in clean air. So many families around the globe are forced to breathe in toxic kerosene fumes due to the lack of access to electricity. The solar-powered lamps that the Little Sun Project provide can improve their health as well as protect our environment. I hope that the art created by Peter Saville and I for ENLIGHTENMENT, will raise awareness and highlight the impact of the great work that Little Sun do.” Naomi will also be donating 1000 blankets created by Woolrich to Centre Point. “Centre Point provides health support, life skills as well as accommodation for desperate young people. It seems that blankets created by Woolrich are such a basic need and would seem to be something really practical I could do to help. This year’s Fashion for Relief was all about the right to equality and that surely includes basic housing and the right to a decent life.” – Naomi Campbell
Master image maker Nick Knight will be showcasing a new short film “The sound of lights own destruction / 2” created exclusively for ENLIGHTENMENT with a key focus on light. Nick Knight shared his thoughts on the project; ”As an image-maker, light is the foundation of everything I do, so I am delighted to have been asked by my friend and collaborator Stavros Karelis to create a film inspired and informed by light for CIFF. It is wonderful to be contributing to this widely international project alongside such an exciting group of creators and innovators!”
“I’m incredibly proud of CIFF’s long track record of supporting and nurturing talent and creativity. And what could be more fundamental to creating than light? You can’t sketch or sculpt or sew in darkness. This is why the Little Sun Foundation with it’s brilliantly simple and beautiful lamp is so essential. We’re delighted to have the opportunity to lend our support.”(Kristian W. Andersen, Director and Creative Director, CIFF) ENLIGHTENMENT featuring works from Virgil Abloh, Naomi Campbell, Peter Saville and Nick Knight will be on show exclusively at CIFF SS19.