"Undine" Art Couture Collection-Editorial by Regina Marie

My summer was split between two focuses; both allowing me to create my most recent art couture collection, titled "Undine." One of the focuses was throwing myself into the furls of learning new skills and how to work with new materials in order to procure all of the treasures needed to craft this collection. The other focus was one which pulled me deep into the spirit of the sea, and learning how to understand the language of this water world, which has always soothed me.

I spent months working on this collection, laboriously scoring and drilling glass and china, scheming how to affix spoons to form a bodice, weaving abalone shells into an intricate harness and bustle set... and of course there was lot's of sewing. At the end of it all I had the honor of showcasing the collection at the beautiful de Young Fine Art Museum of San Francisco. As a fashion designer one of my favorite aspects of the work is having the opportunity to showcase my more sculptural couture in an art appropriate setting, and was honored this was my first museum exhibition.

My absolute favorite part of my creative process is that final moment when the piece is captured in it's idyllic setting, and this usually resonates in the form of a photoshoot. This is when the art is in it's purest form, and in the case of "Undine" this was close to nature, beside the sea, where the spirit of the concept was born. Below you will find many of these beautiful images and the story that they tell.

If you would like to know more about this collection, and fashion as an art form, please read muse Ashley Garner's recent article in Creem Magazine.

Photographer: Regina Marie
All garments handmade by Papusza Couture
Custom Accessories by Mad Elegance
Models: Ashley Garner and Kate Coneely
Hair and Makeup: Elle Duerr

"Undine" Art Couture Prsentation at The de Young Museum

I am proud to announce that I had my first museum showcase of art couture a couple of weeks back. I debuted my newest collection of sea inspired work-titled "Undine"-as part of beautiful memorial show called "What Tethers Us?". This emotive and stunning show included many talented artist from around the SF area, and was curated by visionary artist Deidre DeFranceaux, who released brilliant collection of mermaid inspired paintings at the show.

My collection Undine is a fine art couture collection, conveying the erie spirit of the sea, and all the injured lives and souls that are washed clean by it's waters. In mythology an Undine is a nymph-like water spirit, eternally immortal unless she is captured by certain elements of landlocked life. Inspired by this mythology, the garments of this collection are melancholy, haunting and ethereal. Each garment is hand made as a giant wind chime of sorts, using unconventional materials such as abalone shells, broken china, sea glass and silver wear... All objects that one might find on the floor of the sea after a ship wreck, ideal treasures for a spritely water spirit to be adorned in. These objects are incorporated in the garments in a way that allows them to create musical noise when they are worn and ignited with movement.  The idea is that this movement brings a magical sense of life with it. This collection of art couture is an ode to the singing spirits of the sea, being carried to us upon the wind to whisper their secrets to us.

Have a glimpse of the collection and some magical moments from the Papusza Couture presentation of the show below...

CREDITS:

Photos by Regina Marie
All garments designed and fabricated by Papusza Couture
Custom accessories and millinery by Mad Elegance
Hair and makeup design by Ellementals

Model: Audra Horride with the paintings of Deidre DeFranceaux

Model: Kate Coneely

Model: Jonny Signer

Model: Ashley Garner