Suddenly exploring a concept became conceptual. It turned itself from a comment to a conversation.
Read MoreEmily Bormann Spring / Summer 2019: Hokule'a Collection
Recently, I completed a mini-collection to address one of my concerns of the fashion industry. As consumerism and consumer waste continue to rise, I wanted my designs to be created purely of the fabrics I already owned, including smaller remnants and repurposed materials. While sketching ideas, I was greatly influenced by the rhythm of jazz music, Mod silhouettes and bold patterns of the 1960s, and vintage Hawaiian draped dresses. The culture of Hawaii continued to come to mind as I began my research and I hoped to reflect the essence of tropical beauty with a contrasting modern take on Mod style.
Hokule’a, meaning “Star of Gladness,” was the name of a traditional Hawaiian canoe launched to build momentum for a powerful Hawaiian cultural renaissance in 1975. Along with the resurgence of traditional voyaging and navigation came the renewal of Hawaiian language, dance, chant, and other expressions of Hawaiian culture. The voyage lasting until 2017 (according to the most recent data I could find), was about the universal quest for a better life, the marriage of will and knowledge, the spirit and flame of new hope. These feelings completely embody my passion for self expression through design which is why I chose to name the collection after this power voyage and message. (For more information, click here)
Designing a cohesive collection within these constraints was a big challenge. Putting together several printed fabrics before illustrating designs wracked my brain; I tend to know the designs prior to purchasing the fabrics. However, I started one look at a time and as each piece began to develop I could see the feel of the collection forming. I also took the opportunity to play with remnant fabrics in free-form draping and found these designs to be my favorites. Draping a two sided top of left over silk gingham and a textured silk dupioni was a fun experiment because the sides are completely different based on the amount of fabric I had for each and how the fabric wanted to lay. But from a distance the sides mimic each other. I called this top the Hina Draped Top, after the Hawaiian Goddess Hina who is described as becoming tired of living in the crowd and flees to the Moon, eventually becoming goddess of it. Hence, the light and dark side of the moon (queue Pink Floyd).
This ideology of draping with remnants was both challenging and incredibly creative. I let myself be completely open and listen to how the fabric wanted to fall. I even made last minute edits to swap for a better fabric half way though, shown in the slide towards the bottom. These free-form pieces were hand-sewn to maintain the integrity of the drape. I hope to incorporate and expand this practice throughout my design career, welcoming the unexpected and letting less materials go to waste.
Please enjoy a few pictures of my process.
Hina Draped Top
gingham side sewing adjustments
Hina Draped Top
dupioni side sewing adjustments
Friendly Fashion Illustrations
Friends can be an incredible source of inspiration. Especially when you know so many people working hard at what inspires them.
Having seen a selfie one of my friends posted on Instagram, I just knew I wanted to draw all over it. That may sound funny but this picture was so gorgeous and in my eyes became the perfect canvas. Hours passed during this first illustration and yet it felt like twenty minutes. That seemed like a indicator I was enjoying myself. Having a few under my belt now, I feel like it's something I want to do for all those close to me, as a way to say I care and support you.
I get a lot of my influence from the era I grow up in - the 1990s, hip hop culture, and African tribal patterns and textures. I'm obsessed with rich colors and graphic patterns. These first illustrations represent an inner strength all of these women have, balanced by the softness of their expression. I hope you enjoy!
If you have comments, questions, or even desire to have your own illustration made, please contact me at bormann.emily@gmail.com.
Graffitiing Grandparents
check out the inspirational article here
Today!
Come see us at Entangled today at Buffalo Exchange [51 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203]. We will be scratching your creative itch from 5-9pm. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Shock Wave
“What is beautiful doesn’t have to be pretty”
It may come as no surprise that I paid visit to Denver Art Museum's Shock Wave: Japanese Fashion Design of the 1980s and 90s as soon as I discovered it. The exhibit features designs from designers Comme des Garcons, Issey Miyake, Kenzo Takada, Kansai Yamoto, Yohji Yamamoto, and Junya Watanabe.
I was truly ecstatic to see this collection of work. Not only adventurous in the shapes and materials these designers used, it was fascinating to see the influence of the time. Much of the designs, I would consider to be relevant even after 20-30 years. That is incredible if you ask me! Here are a few shots for your enjoyment.
To learn more about the exhibit, check out the Denver Art Museum.
Tribe with me
Tribe With Me Tee coming soon -- while you wait, enjoy these vibes.
A Taste of Danger
I am only now starting to receive pictures from my first fashion show, Fashion is Danger held August 18th at the Mercury Cafe. What a truly incredible evening! I had no idea that I had the ability to create an entire collection and organize a fashion show. I can't believe how the desire to create something big is fueling all of these incredible life changes.
I will be posted all the photos from the show once they have all arrived, but for now I will leave you with this introduction to the evening. This image alone gives me goosebumps!
Featured!
Check it out! I am a featured designer on the Fashion Denver page. What an incredible honor it was to be interviewed by the infamous Brandi Shigley. She is such a warm free spirit, I am so happy to call her a friend. Read more here.
Here is it!
Beginning my debut collection
This has been a big year for me. I've always imagined that "one day" I would have my own clothing line. For whatever reason, I convinced myself that this was farfetched idea. Reality is - I reached a moment of peace and listened to a voice within. "I have absolutely nothing to lose! To not try is to lose."
My journey as only just begun. Currently, I am putting together a women's ready-to-wear collection which will be displayed in a fashion show next month. I am beyond excited!
More info to come in regards to the show. Please enjoy a few samples of my work for now :)
Spring in the Air
Spring wardrobes are always the best. I can't express how obsessed I am with light jackets, especially with a printed dress and a great pair of sneakers. Menswear accents have also been on my radar. Button-ups buttoned all the way to the collar and don't even get me started on oxfords. Bring on the florals, pops of color and black&whites!
As I have been developing my wardrobe for the new season, I have found inspiration from one of the best known style icons, Alexa Chung. She understands the value of simplicity - whether it be playing with silhouettes, patterns or both. She has such thoughtfulness in her pairings.
Check it out.
Samurai
I had the wonderful pleasure of visiting the Denver Art Museum's Samurai Exhibit this past weekend. An incredible array of accent Japanese treasures, it was a breathtaking experience to see such masterful craftsmanship. Paying close attention to the simple details - woven patterns, fabric prints, accents of feathers, metals, and iconic images, I came away with an even greater appreciation for ancient Asian culture. An exhibition for everyone and a thoughtfully curated gift shop to follow, this is one I will definitely be attending again.
For more information check out: Denver Art Museum
Journey to the city, why don't we
Browsing some old photos I found a few that got me inspired by the streets of New York. Granted these were taken on an iphone 5S as well as an Android even older than that, I hope they will still convey an experience.
