Wearable Art Blog

Felted Fashions by Jan Dineen

Jan Dineen is a designer from Australia who creates gorgeous felted fashion inspired by the traditional patterning of Asian textiles. Dineen says, "My work is based on the notion of journeys and the symbols of my Norwegian ancestry...I am particularly fascinated by the combination of the highly structured shapes of Western garments and the unstructured designs of the East, like kimonos." Looking at these stylish creations, I can see the connections to East and West that Dineen describes. What I like most are the loose, but elegant shapes and vibrant colors she uses. You can find Dineen's work at the Handmark Gallery in Tasmania, Australia.

The Colorful Jewelry of Jillian Moore

Jillian Moore transforms copper and silver to create what she calls "fruiting bodies, invertebrates, and buffoons."

Of her work, Moore says, "I am motivated by the pleasurable experience of making. There is sincerity in surfaces that show the slow erosion of my hand’s movement...I have systematically chosen methods, particularly electroforming, with long stretches of repetitive motion."

Moore's work was selected to appear in the 2009 Metalsmith Magazine Juried Exhibition in Print ("Saturated: Color and Metal"). Moore's work appears with the work of the other winners in the current edition. If nothing else, Moore's creations are bright and colorful. 

The necklace (left) is made from resin, nickel and silver and the brooch (below) is made from electroformed and fabricated copper. These pieces look like they could be sea creatures or funky toys. What do you think? You can see more at Jillian Moore. 

 

Leather Wearable Art by Einbender Studios

Portland, Oregon-based Deborah Einbender, who is inspired by ancient archetypes, molds leather into masks and bags as if it she were making sculptures. In 1970, she began by experimenting with molding leather masks using techniques borrowed from Renaissance Italy. Here is what Einbender says about her work: "Wearing a mask is to participate in a celebratory experience that links us back through time...Wearing a purse with a face can be a subtly subversive act that works its own magic, producing conversations among strangers wherever it goes." Would you agree? Einbender's sculptured faces are compelling, almost haunting because they look so alive. You can see more at Einbender Studios.

Pebbles and Silver by Maike Barteldres

Maike Barteldres has a deep fascination with stone. Barteldres says, "I am interested in the everyday, non-precious stone. Brought down to jewellery scale, intricate details become apparent and it gains a preciousness in its own right."

Barteldres is inspired by archaeology, using stones and textured silver in her jewelry designs. While studying jewelry in the U.K., the artist devised a unique technique of casting metal directly on to stone. I love the way Barteldres builds contrast by placing shiny silver against dark stone in the 'split pebble' ring above (left). Just look at the playful brooch (below) with its different sized and shaped slate 'pebbles' and uneven lines of cast silver. Pretty neat. How do you like these pieces? You can see more of her work at Maike Barteldres.  

  

Louise Feuillère Intimates

Louise Feuillère is a master maker of under garments who won the Meilleur Ouvrier de France title for lingerie and corsetry (Best Craftsman of France) in 2008. The 36 year old Feuillere has been sewing since childhood, when her grandmother taught her how to sew.

Feuillere says, "Seduction is all about feeling comfortable about your body. Lingerie is simply a jewel that adorns that natural beauty.”

Feuillère's lingerie creations include everything from panties, garters, camisoles and bras to corsets, nightgowns, slips and bathing suits. A cotton bra from her Neige line costs $462. You pay top dollar but the price for her bras reflects the overlays of black tulle, rich ivory colored cotton from Switzerland and expert tailoring. Would you like a made-to-measure indulgence? Just visit Feuillère's Paris studio. Or, instead, you can simply visit her website, Louise Feuillère.