Folk Couture

threeASFOUR's Laser-Cut Flower-Print Patent Leather Dress
Inspired by the Friendship Star Quilt (1844)
(Cotton and Linen with Ink) 

Folk Couture: two words I wouldn't typically put into the same sentence... However, the American Folk Art Museum's current exhibit has done just that, and created an incredible exhibition.  The museum challenged 13 designers to create garments inspired by pieces of American Folk Art from the permanent collection.  I enjoy folk art and study fashion design, so the combination of the two blew me away.  The designers have taken the essence of these age old works of art and breathed new life into them with these avant guarde garments.  As a designer myself, I am looking at art as inspiration in a new light.  Folk Couture runs through April 23, 2014 and is an exhibit not to MIS!  

Enjoy, 

Margo Isadora

Folk Couture
at the American Museum of Folk Art through April 23, 2014

John Bartlett's Whimsical
Elongated Shirt/Pant Two Dimensional Wall Hanging(Machine-Quilted Digitally Printed cotton sateen and cotton canvas with Poly-Fil and metal buttons)
Inspired by Man with Green Shirt and White Suspenders
(Unidentified Artist, late 19th Century, paint on wood with metal, glass, and tape)

Gary Graham
Wool and Cotton Jacket
(Engineered Wool and Cotton Jacket, Digitally Printed Cotton Twill Leggings)
Inspired by Ann Carll's Blazing Star and Snowballs Coverlet (1810)
(Indigo-dyed wool and natural cotton, 93"x79")

Gary Graham's Jacket is tied for my favorite with threeASFOUR's piece.
I tried to take close ups, but you need to see this piece in person to fully appreciate it's engineered genius.  

Look at that Jacquard...
and that Seaming!!!

Koos van den Akker
Gown(Embellished Cotton Collage with Sequin Finish)
Inspired by various paintings and tapestries

Jean Yu
The Animal Human Dress (Straw on Chiffon)
Inspired by David Alvarez's Porcupine (New Mexico, 1981)
(Paint on Cottonwood with Straw, Marbles, and Plastic)

Grandma is looking forward to the next exhibition already!

A Transformation: Vest to Backpack!

I was challenged to create a garment that transforms into a carrying case of some kind, in my 3D, Body as Form, class. I first made the muslin vest pattern then started the daunting transformation by returning to something I knew well, origami.  I figured some thoughtful folding and zippers could create the interesting streamlined bag I was envisioning!  

Can you incorporate the element of surprise (transformation) into your next project?! See how I did it below.

Enjoy,

Margo Isadora

p.s. click on photos to enlarge

Muslin pattern with basted on zippers after my origami play worked out!

Basted muslin backpack

The 'Origami' Instructions are easy enough!

Views of my drapey vest!

(As one can see in the directions the grey strip at the bottom of the vest was a design element that also helped clarify the first folding directions. Transformative design needs to function!)

All zipped up... no vest to be seen!

A delicious drape

She can't wait till the weather's cool so she can be worn again!

Inspiring Designers: Thi Wan & Parsons Alumni

As I finish foundation year at Parsons and begin my Fashion major it is quite inspiring to see the creations and success of graduating seniors and alumni.  Bloomingdales hosted the B the Next event to support the Parsons Scholars Program; which is a free college prep program that enables motivated NYC public high school students to attend Parsons pre-college programs. Many Parsons alumni, who have their work at Bloomingdales, and past educators came to support the event.  It was a pleasure to speak with Tim Gunn, Tracy Reese, and Mara Hoffman, individuals whom I've always admired. 

Tim Gunn Admiring Thi Wan's work!

The highlight of my evening was being introduced to the work of a former Parsons Scholar and a current graduate Thi Wan, class of 2013! His stunning white on white armor-like collection was made with neoprene and a 3D textile.  Thi explained that he created a silicone formula using all organic chemicals, used in cosmetics.  The formula is poured into ice-cube-like trays, which he designed to create zero waste textiles!  The different thicknesses and formulas will deteriorate over time, one garment he estimates at 60 years.  Thi created this collection with the intent of creating a 'second skin,' the patterns and shapes are inspired by his Burmese and Buddhist background. Checkout Thi's blog to learn more about his process.

I look forward to seeing more from Thi Wan and other Parsons Alum.  How exciting it is to see what the future could hold for me!

Enjoy a peek into the evening,

Margo Isadora

    

A Close Up of Thi's 'Second Skin'

David Van Zandt (President of the New School), Me, Shelby (a good friend) and Tim Gunn! 

A Part of Thi Wan's Thesis

Shelby and I enjoying the evening!

Parsons Alumni, an All-Star Group!

Mara Hoffman and I!

Thi Wan

Thi Wan's Awesome Silicone Textile

Thi Wan, Close Up

Incredible work Thi! I look forward to following your career!