I created both the costumes for this project to reflect the future of fabrics and support the current movement of slow fashion. In addition the design is based on simple ventilation techniques adapted for a hot and dry climate. Both pieces, the jacket and the vest are woven with materials that could be found in a desert environment. Firstly the Yucca plant fibre was used extensively throughout the weaving. This plant and others such as Agave and Sisal have a long history of being processed for the long stiff fibres contained in their leaves to make cordage and rope. Yucca …

Best wishes to all in this festive season. Peace. Nicole

Check out the Spring issue of Surface Design Journal which features the article Decomposing Couture, written by Leesa Hubbell, which talks about my Weedrobes series. The Lilac Swing Coat, worn by Nita Bowerman is featured on the cover. The whole issue is dedicated to dress and it has many wonderfully creative artists and projects in it.  Decomposing Couture-Hubbell

No I am not knitting the tails of cats, but the  Cattail plant, which I harvested from the pond on Granville Island- and yes the maintenance guys were very happy to let me do that because it is very invasive and they have to go in with hip waders every year and pull a bunch of it out. I then washed  and dried the long leaves and stored them in the rafters of my basement. To use them for weaving or in my case knitting and crocheting, they have to first be soaked to make them pliable. For now i am experimenting …

[flickr video=4824228851 show_info=true w=260 h=172] hope full/less ice Originally uploaded by mamzellenix