Lauri Faggioni

I became interested in Lauri Faggioni's work after seeing Michel Gondry's The Science of Sleep. Ms. Faggioni did all of the textile props that were used in the film including the horse, the phone, and the bird. On the DVD there is a special feature interview where Faggioni describes her process, including the mobility of her inanimate objects. I remember her talking about collecting her long dark hair because she wanted to make a dress out of her renewable locks. It reminded me of the hair wreaths that women during the Victorian Era would make from the collected household cuts. These wreaths were made as an homage to family lineage, and some are quite lovely.

Isn't She Lovely

I found these three photo postcards at an antique shop in Richmond. I couldn't just get one, though I might send them out separately. I love her playful expressions and her natural way of being in front of the camera. There's no date on the photos, but I'd guess they are from the 1930s, because of the quality of the print and because of her hairstyle.

Red and White

West African Fashion

I am so drawn to these portraits by Seydou Keita that were taken in the 40s, 50s, and 60s. He would set up his studio on the streets of Mali where he made pictures of women in exquisite west african print dresses, men in european influenced attire, and families dressed in their finest.

I am also sort-of obsessed with designer Maya Amina Lake, owner of Boxing Kitten. Her style inspiration is part modern, part vintage, and definitely West African influenced.

1940's McCall Shirt Pattern

I love using vintage patterns, even though they tend to be a bit harder to follow. I am drawn to 1940s fashion, and often times vintage stores are really expensive, and the clothes don't fit quite right, so making your own version is always a choice solution. I also like being able to manipulate patterns by either adding or eliminating elements of the garmet to my liking. I found this pattern at a local antique shop, and started making the shirt the next day. I think I will try to find some silk fabric for another version since silk just hangs so effortlessly.

Shahzia Sikander

I first learned of Shahzia Sikander from PBS' Art 21 series. She does these incredibly detailed miniature paintings inspired by ancient persian and indian works; in her work she also incorporates a modern and personal narrative that give her paintings an intriguing magnetism. Her color palate of pinks, blues, yellows, captivate my eyes.

In the Mood for Love

Not only is Wong Kar-Wai's film In the Mood for Love hauntingly romantic, but to watch both Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung (in their alluring 1960's Hong Kong styles) possess the screen is one of the most captivating visual experiences I have known. Su Li-zhen (Ms. Cheung) wears lovely high neck, form fitting, brightly patterned, qipao dresses with such grace and balance. And Chow Mo-wan (Mr.Leung) can pull off the form fitted suits of the 60's with elegance and poise, it makes me wish those outfits would make a renaissance in my lifetime.