The goal of this series is the integration of original two-dimensional designs into three-dimensional garment forms. An expression of the energetic connection between designer Della Reams and painter Larry Rushing, this collaboration magnifies the creativity of each partner in a dynamic relay between mutual muses. First she models and he paints, accessing his own anima and using symbols of femininity. At the completion of this months-long process, he chooses a finished piece and relays a digital representation of the image. Next she analyzes, dissects and manipulates parts of the image to create two-dimensional mirrored repeat patterns that reflect the spirit of the work. When this essence is achieved after numerous iterations, the patterns are digitally printed on fabric. Then she drapes the cloth around the female form to create pattern-specific and body-conscious three-dimensional forms – incorporating an abundance of slow handwork to embellish and vitalize the dress. In the process she infuses the work with healing energy that the wearer can sense. Hopefully the viewer can perceive it as well. Sometimes she wraps herself in the resulting patterns to pose again for the artist, and he uses the imagery to inspire more paintings, continuing the upward spiral of communal life force energy.
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In collaboration with New York based artist Larry Rushing, this dress was made using fine art painting, digital printing, fashion draping, and sewing by hand and machine. Reams’ work is inspired by color, the female body form and Rushing’s paintings. Rushing’s paintings are inspired by his belief that femininity as the center of creativity and […]
Secret Garden Dress Read More »
In collaboration with New York based artist Larry Rushing, this dress was made using fine art painting, digital printing, fashion draping, and sewing by hand and machine. Reams’ work is inspired by color, the female body form and Rushing’s paintings. Rushing’s paintings are inspired by his belief that femininity as the center of creativity and
Utilizing fine art painting, digital printing, fashion draping, and sewing by hand and machine this collaborative dress was made by Della Reams and Larry Rushing. Reams’ work is inspired by color, the female body form and Rushing’s paintings. Rushing’s paintings are inspired by his interpretation of femininity as the center of creativity, and the improvisational
The surrealistic imagery and harmonious color sense featured in my collaborator, Larry Rushing’s, paintings inspired me to develop a series of digitally-printed fabrics, which then generated a series of related dress designs. The integration of these 2-D design into three-dimensional garments was my design challenge – to form a beautiful 2-D design into a creative
Blooming Moth Dress Read More »
Part of a collaborative series, fine artist Larry Rushing’s painting was used as an inspiration for a textile print and unique apparel design. The original artwork named “One Handed World”, took Rushing about three months to paint. The painting was chosen because of a curiosity about how the hands that appear in it could wrap
Treasure Palm Dress Read More »
The Hands and Holy Grail Dress is from the collection From Fine Art to Fashion. The surrealistic imagery and harmonious color sense featured in African-American painter Larry Rushing’s artwork have inspired me to collaboratively develop digitally-printed fabrics. Using sections of Rushing’s painting “Naked Lady” and Photoshop, I designed a repeat, which was printed on woven
Hands and Holy Grail Dress Read More »
The intention of this work is to illustrate the direct influence of fine art on fashion design in a future exhibition – featuring a series of related paintings, textile designs, dress designs, and fashion illustrations. Collaborator Larry Rushing’s fine art painting “Flora Rush” was the inspiration for a textile print and an apparel design. The
Celebrating color and exploring its expression in texture, pattern, and form, this design integrates 2D textile design with 3D fashion design. A balance of old and new practices – hand painting, digital printing, draping, and sewing by hand and machine – are featured in this one-of-a-kind dress. Collaborator Larry Rushing’s fine art painting provides inspiration
Sacred and Profane Dress Read More »
Angel in the House is part of a series of digitally printed and draped dresses. Inspired by collaborator Larry Rushing’s* painting called “House”, the fabric print was digitally designed and printed. The dress silhouette was fashioned with Julian Robert’s “Subtractive Patternmaking “. Finishing included areas of the print being folded and stitched in tiny tucks
Angel in the House Dress Read More »
