At what point does a garment transcend mere fashion to become wearable art? Our post-Yuri’s afterglow is still going strong as we float into ever higher realms of the style stratosphere …
Upon meeting dye artist and fashion designer Michelle Murray at the Handcar Regatta last year, we were immediately fascinated by the incredible wares occupying her vending booth. Even though it was the end of a long, hot day, she engaged us in brilliant conversation and introduced us to the magic of her Shibori method.
Up to that point we were entirely ignorant of the Japanese Shibori dyeing technique which is likely the oldest variation of tie-dye methods for coloring silk. The results can be stunningly gorgeous as the pictures in this post and this other gallery demonstrate.
However precise the artist is though, what emerges reflects the organic nature of this process. It is the hauntingly beautiful “ghosts” between the over-tones, which the artist has little control over, that define and give life to the piece.
The intensely complex pleating, pleasing feel and curious springiness of the silk are the trademarks of Michelle Murray’s style. She designed the entire “Pine Winds Shibori” line as well as all the pieces pictured here.
So profound was her mastery of these styles that she was chosen as an exhibitor for one of, if not the most prestigious gatherings of artisans in the world. The Smithsonian Craft Show and it’s offshoot the Smithsonian Craft 2 Wear have been exhibiting the most distinguished wearable art for almost 30 years.
It is exciting for us to know that this show exists. That the artisan who pursues the perfection of their craft to such a radical degree can achieve this level of recognition.
We encourage you to go to the 2011 Wearable Art exhibitor page and drink in the fountain of inspired fashion design ideas displayed. Which of these designers inspire you?
These are the L.A. MUDPEOPLE, an improvisational tribe. According to tribe-member Mike M. Mollet, “We don’t speak. We move slowly, wear full-head masks (often with) found clothing & ornamentation, & MUD, many colors of MUD. We hang-out. We’ve been around for nearly 20 years.”