We were lucky enough to interview painter and visual artist Greg Lauren for our very first issue of Corduroy and he’s been a great friend to the magazine ever since. Now, he’s due in town next week for the opening of his new exhibition, entitled “Counter Couture.” Held in conjunction with the French Institute Alliance Française (the largest French culture center in the U.S.), the exhibition features Lauren’s tongue-in-cheek reinterpretations of fashion, using sculpted paper “clothing” and real accessories.

The “White DB Dinner Jacket” piece (seen above) was created with oil and acrylic on paper, thread and finished with mother of pearl buttons, everything entirely hand-sewn. Other pieces similarly showcase the deft mixing of Lauren’s strong artistic technique, with a whimsical (and not entirely off-trend) view of haute couture. The goal is to speak to the theme of fashion as a developmental force in the shaping of one’s identity, and perhaps, have some fun while at it.

“Greg Lauren: Counter Couture” takes place from February 4th to March 6th at the FIAF Gallery, located at 22 East 60th Street in New York. The opening reception is this Wednesday night from 6-8 p.m. For more information, check out Lauren’s website or visit fiaf.org.