Multi Disciplinary Textile Practices in the Bay Area California
On a recent trip to the bay area, we interviewed 5 women whose unique practices within textiles comment on the creative ecosystem in the region.
Conscious Artisanal Fashion / Carol of Seek Collective Seek focuses on establishing connections between art, product, consumers, process, and makers. Made in India through partnerships with like-minded communities and people, everyone who touches her brand shares in values. She creates clothing thoughtfully with the purpose of aiming to make people feel connected, creative, beautiful, relaxed, joyful, empowered and sophisticated and embody the slow clothing movement, with handmade processes that take months to complete even before stitching begins.
Artisanal Retail / Jigisha of Ji clothing and living, a California-based studio that explores artisanal skills, roots and stories through limited collections of home textiles and clothing accessories makes a conscious choice to create in small quantities allows to bring awareness around craftsmanship, textile heritage and environmental responsibility. She honors time-tested craft techniques such as handloom weaving, block printing and resist dyeing by producing seasonless, earth-friendly pieces that are long-lasting and transcend trends.
Her store features creations that are envisioned and developed in-house as well as products that are a result of collaborative efforts with fellow designers and social enterprise partners who share her vision. Master artisans join hands with Ji clothing as she continually make modern interpretations of age-old craft forms, evolve to employ more eco-friendly materials and develop thoughtful, handcrafted textiles.
Movement Artist and Sculptor / Hope Ngozi Okere has a deep understanding of design and a wealth of experience working in the industry in womenswear, menswear and accessories. She sees fashion as a tool for self-expression and cultural representation. She continues to evolve her career by creating fiber art and sculpture, with reasearch into traditional craft and textile techniques. Common sources of inspiration and reccuring themes in her work are dance, film, cultural movements, water, light, sculpture, painting, and textiles.
Rug Designer and Painter / Melina Finkelstein of Casa Muniz paints bold patterns on fabric and wood, weaves tapestries out of old paintings and collaborates with textile artisans in Mexico and Nepal to make museum quality, one-of-a-kind custom rugs. Melina established herself as a leading Bay Area textile designer as the co-founder of Peace Industry which closed in 2018 due to trade sanctions. Casa Muñiz Design is Melina’s solo brand venture and marks her reemergence as a designer and artist.
Sustainable Design Studio / Kosa Arts is a Concept shop showcasing KOSA Brand Apparel as well as showcasing other artisan’s goods. Following an education in fine arts at CCA(C), Elaine Hamblin followed a passion for art-to-wear, costuming for local dance companies, working as design assistant for multiple bay area designers and developing a line of hand painted fabric and apparel.
Kosa Arts offers unique and limited edition pieces, set in evolving displays, curated to play with resonating elements. It inspires appreciation for artisan made pieces, creative, meaningful living environments, and kindle curiosity in an inviting atmosphere that encourages self-reflection. it supports high level craftsmanship, the creative process, sustainable materials and meaningful livelihoods.
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