Wearable Art Blog

Mahe Italian Leather Bags

'Mahe' is a new line of luxury hand crafted leather bags by London born designer, Andreas Kyriacou. These sophisticated bags are designed in London and then handmade in Florence, Italy using leather skins from Tuscany. The rich-looking, dark and shiny bags are made from python leathers paired with reptile textured prints. The bags are inspired by a once very fashionable neighborhood in Rome, Italy. I love the exotic colors and sturdy look of this bag. Would you wear one? Even though the Mahe site is not ready yet, you can see a few more bags on the Drapers fashion news website.  

Acrylic Jewelry by Tusheeta David

Check out this pretty acrylic brooch (left) that was made byTusheeta David of the U.K. She says: "I am inspired by various images I collect from books and websites about microscopic organisms, cells, parts of the body etc. I use these images as inspiration to create highly detailed patterns of my own with the help of CAD. I thermoform each piece individually, once it has been digitally engraved. This process is then followed by hand dyeing. It is the combination of the techniques I use with the material and the consequent result which is unique to contemporary crafts." I like the detailed, carved patterns that make the brooch look delicate and flower-like. If you look closely at the bracelet (right), you can see intricate patterns. I love that David is using new approaches to create distinctive jewelry. See more at Tusheeta David Designs.

   

Wearable Felted Art by Jenne Giles

Jenne Giles makes beautiful, art-to-wear scarves and shawls from felted wool and other fibers. Giles says, "I consider my pieces as paintings that must be touched, seen and worn to be completely experienced...I like to collage mixed fibers together, such as silk and angora wool, to offer a variety of luster and tactile effects."

To create the unusual shapes in her work, Giles uses hot water and soap to open the fibers, then agitates them, allowing the fibers to mesh, creating a durable fabric that can be made into sculptural shapes. Some of her work is inspired by visual artists like Joan Miro and Alexander Calder and ancient cave wall murals. The vibrant, curvy pieces pictured here are made from merino wool and silk.     

  

       

 

 

You can buy some of Giles's lovely scarves at the Harlequin Feltworks Etsy Shop. Shawls and other accent pieces are available at the Harlequin Feltworks Blog. Aren't the colors and patterns in these pieces simply gorgeous?  These photos are copyrighted - please do not use them without permission of Jenne Giles.

Textile Jewelry From Silvina Romero

Silvina Romero, from Buenos Aires, creates colorful jewelry out of a variety of textiles. Here are two pieces which reflect the variety of materials, colors and shapes that Romero uses in her work. The woven snake necklace (left) reminds me of an ancient design that might have been worn by generations of women. I love the thick fabric and soft colors that make up the simple but elegant necklace (bottom). See more textile rings, bracelets and brooches at Silvina Romero. 

    

    

   

    

   

      

Recycled Military Surplus Bags from Jack & Marjorie

Jack and Marjorie, based in Toronto, Canada, create a line of bags out of recycled military surplus materials. After looking at an old box of family photos from the 1940's, the couple were inspired to create a variety of women's bags that reflect the look and feel of that era. This handsome messenger bag (left) is made with heavy cotton tent canvas, a flap of military surplus wool blanket, and leather. The cute 'digby' bag (below) is made with recycled duffle bags. Each 'digby' bag is assembled with mixed and matched pieces and even bears the name patch that was on the original duffle bag. I love the military twist and the fine detailing the couple build into their designs. You can see more at Jack & Marjorie.