Wendy Helliwell's "Vogue Lips October 2012" presents a bold, provocative exploration of consumer culture and fashion iconography. This striking mixed media piece features a pair of glossy, plump lips constructed from fragments of recycled denim and Vogue magazine cuttings, all sealed under a gleaming layer of resin. The lips burst with vibrant colour—reds, pinks, blues, and oranges—creating a visual feast against the monochromatic backdrop of fashion brand logos and text. Helliwell's meticulous collage technique transforms discarded materials into a powerful symbol of desire and consumption, with the recognisable luxury brand names like Ralph Lauren, Valentino, and Chanel deliberately positioned to challenge our relationship with fashion advertising.

Fashion and Consumerism in Contemporary Art
The substantial scale of this piece (64 x 89 cm framed) ensures it commands attention in any space, serving as both a conversation starter and a thought-provoking artistic statement. Helliwell cleverly juxtaposes the sensuality of the lips with the commercial nature of fashion media, creating tension between desire and commerce. The glossy resin finish mirrors the polished aesthetic of fashion magazines themselves, adding another layer of commentary on surface appearances versus substance. When displayed in a contemporary setting, "Vogue Lips October 2012" brings a striking pop art sensibility that energises the surrounding space while prompting reflection on our culture's obsession with beauty, branding, and consumption.