by Mel F.
Our fearless leaders at FridayGirlTV tasked me with the question: What is Wearable Art? My own personal assumptions aside I ‘Wikied’ it first for the benefit of FGTV readers (Ok and me too): They say, wearable art or ‘art to wear’ refers to designed pieces of… clothing or jewelry created as fine or expressive art. In short, the work is intended to be accepted as a serious unique artistic creation. Ask the “everywoman” about wearable art and the first thing that comes to mind is jewelry. So ventured out, avoiding the indecently over-priced boutiques and caught a few women wearing it well.
Filmmaker Julia Maryanska stops for FGTV wearing a hand crafted pendant from St. Maarten
Next stop, Madison Avenue home of the best of the best in stunning jeweled pieces in NYC and home to unique find Julie: Artisans’ Gallery at 687 Madison Avenue. Julie Schafler Dale wrote the book on wearable art, literally. Her book Art to Wear is a celebrated testament to this movement and remains the industry standard. Her shop captures the essence of every bit of it!
Fanciful Leggings, I so want these!
Opened in 1973, it was the first gallery devoted to handmade clothing as an art form. The owner was kind enough to let me profile them and feature their unique wears. I was so impressed with the shop I would recommend it to anyone who has ever had any interest in “art to wear”. I loved seeing all of the different clothes, jewelry and textiles. There your imagination can fly.
Jackets at Julie's Shop, A place to explore it all!
Rows of vintage bangles
Shop Julie Artisans Gallery for wearable art. I look forward to seeing your examples ASAP.
Melanee Farrah (Mel) besides being a fashion and culture lover is also owner of SayWordMel Consultation, a freelance Creative Consultancy to small business and non-profit organizations focusing on operational management, strategy development, growth and long term planning. For more info on Mel check out her blog, www.chasingmonet.tumblr.com
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Wearable art is wonderfully flirty…love it
Wow… the leggings are serious. Did you see any smart glass jewelry? Could there be a movement for Recycled wearable art?? Definitely eco-friendly. Love the post.. keep ‘em coming.
Great ideas; I will hit the last of the summer flea markets and Fashion Night Out for more updates!
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