ALLIE PILCHER
"Forget the Horse, All You Need is a Mule" is a fusion of digital photography and graphic design, drawing inspiration from vintage print fashion advertisements. The final image combines circus-inspired graphic elements overlaid on a conceptual street photograph, reflecting the campaign's tagline and title. The project revolves around the dual meaning of the word 'mule'—both as an animal and as a type of shoe. This parallel facilitates a simultaneous connection between the type and design of the heel and the whimsical manifestation of a carousel horse.
The “Soul of Showa” series explores Japan's rich graphic advertising culture, paying homage to the Showa-era influences that shape the artist’s creative process. Through a retro lens synonymous with her work, Allie aims to bridge the tension between historical roots and modern westernization. By emulating outdated contexts—through film imperfections, staging, and graphic design—she evokes a sense of organic nostalgia, favoring individualization over globalization. With a focus on the urbanization of popular culture, Allie’s stylistic choices celebrate the nuances of middle-class mundanity.