Julie Frankel

Hot off the tape dispenser, these “air dresses” are made with non-traditional materials. The first step is wrapping a dress form in cling wrap, followed by layers of packing tape to build up the form. The next phase involves making many, many tape transfers (imagery) which are layered together to create the story of the dress.

Frida's Dress

Summer in the Sea of Japan
Gertrude's Dress

GANNA WALSKA arrived in Santa Barbara in 1941, as a well-known Polish opera singer and socialite. She spent the next 43 years designing and creating the gardens of the Montecito estate she named Lotusland. The spectacular collections of exotic plants express her penchant for the dramatic, the unexpected, and the whimsical.

Undocumented

"I would like for people to understand that no one chooses to be undocumented. If I have to leave I will feel like a failure — like I failed at proving to this country that I’m worthy of it. It’s the rejection — that after 20 years of being a good student, volunteering, working hard — it’s realizing it’s not enough."

Gigi Eckert

Luna Buton
(materials) Two antique slips stitched together, Italian & French silk lace, cotton string, cheesecloth, ribbon roses and a cascade of white buttons.

Jezebel
(materials) White silk slip, organza embellishment
borrowed from antique curtain panel,
antique lace.

Blossom Dearie
(materials) Thrifted white slip, crocheted cotton string, woven linen remnants, cheesecloth,
pinecones, brass chain and leaf, handmade glass ring, antique button.