Lori Bacigalupi uses techniques such as batik, shibori and screen printing while she continually experiments with new methods to create well-constructed, useful clothing.
A former apparel designer, Paz Sintes, born in Barcelona and now living in New York, began making handmade textile jewelry in 2005. She uses high-end vintage lace, which she cuts and dyes to create her ultra-light jewelry.
Ex Ovo designer Katrin Zimmerman was born in Germany and educated in Switzerland, England and China. Her jewelry juxtaposes soft leather with the shiny brilliance of silver; she pairs semi-precious stones with ordinary rubber. She has a celebrity following that includes Kate Moss and Halle Berry.
Katrin Zimmerman has expanded her repertoire with a new line of acrylic jewelry called Lucent. While colorful and sculptural, the pieces retain the clean, simple look she is known for.
Indian embroidery and beading influence the designs of Janice Kissinger who says she builds her garments rather than sews them, sculpting from fine wool, reclaimed vintage silk saris and her own hand-dyed silk.
In the 1990s in Paris, Sylvia Gottwald began recycling oyster shells sourced in French Polynesia into contemporary jewelry. With the shells now endangered, her jewelry is a way to educate others about the dangers facing our oceans.
Anastassia Goyne makes whimsical—and cozy—embellished coats and hats for tots.
Textile artist Heidi Paul deconstructs discarded cashmere with shibori dyeing, felting and silk screening to make entirely new garments.
SIXTY-FIVE of the country’s top craftspeople will bring their designs to D.C.’s National Building Museum for the Smithsonian’s Craft2Wear show and sale October 5 to 7.
The all-star lineup includes talents such as D.C.-based Sylvia Gottwald who crafts jewelry from recycled oyster shells, Janice Kissinger who designs divine dresses from vintage silk saris, Paz Sintes whose ultra-light jewelry is fashioned out of vintage laces and laser-cut fabrics and Heidi Paul who makes clothing out of reclaimed cashmere.
The event kicks off with an opening night party Thursday, Oct. 5, from 6 to 9pm. Nibble on inventive hors d’oeuvres and delicious desserts at the cocktail reception, catch the Art on the Runway fashion show and let stylists show you how to transform your wardrobe with statement pieces straight from the artists. Here’s your chance to mingle with the designers, learn about their techniques and inspirations and be the first on your block to buy one of their creations.
Hours on Friday, Oct. 6 are 10:30am to 6:30pm; Saturday, Oct. 7, 10:30am to 5:30pm. Tickets for opening night are $50, which includes a one-day pass to return to the show on Friday or Saturday; daily admission (must be purchased in advance) is $13; tickets sold at the door on Friday are $15; children 12 and under are free. For more information and ticket sales, go to the Smithsonian site.
Get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping and impress the hell out of your friends and relatives with a piece of wearable art they’re not likely to see on anyone else.
The show whose theme is “Find Your Fabulous” is produced by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee to support education, outreach and research at the Smithsonian Institution.
