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The inspiration for this collection began with a series of paintings that the designer’s aunt, Wendy Jackel, created in New York City in the late 1970s. The look features a hand-painted silk charmeuse robe and a corded bustier with Art Deco hardware.
The method to paint the robe involved stretching silk charmeuse over a frame and applying a water-based resist. Jacquard silk paints were diluted with water to achieve a delicate pastel color.
The robe features a quilted neckline and waist tie. It is fully lined in a celadon green silk charmeuse. The pattern continues unbroken across seam lines.
The bustier is made from a powder blue stretch silk crepe. It features carefully constructed plunge cups with cording on the upper cup, center front panels and back panel.
Art deco double pronged hook and eye closures and ovular shoulder strap rings complete the look.
Modeled by Cierra Howard
Photographed by FIT graduate Lea Banchereau
Paintings by Wendy Cole
Meet the Designer
My sense of identity has always been dependent on the arts and creative expression. Through design and the creative process, I am able to achieve clarity in regard to both the world around me and for myself. With backgrounds in dance, fine art, music, and language, my greatest struggle was deciding which creative field to pursue. With its demanding combination of imagination, resourcefulness, psychology, and craft; fashion design is a field that welcomes eclectic minds. The art of making clothing is challenging but electrifying. I am rarely prouder than when someone compliments something I’m wearing and I get to respond, “Thanks, it’s one of mine. I made it!”
