I love ribbons. They're right up there with ruffles and lace and other frilly fripperies. There's just something about them that is so unabashedly feminine and fun. I think they tap in directly to the little girl in all of us, the little girl that wants to twirl in something pretty and be the belle of the ball.
And there is just so much to love about ribbons...so many colors, patterns and textures. The
feel of something has always been just as important to me as the look of it, and I love to stroke my fingers over silks, satins and velvets; they just feel like luxury.
Ribbons on a garment always make them feel just a little bit fancier, a little more indulgent. I think it's because they're not strictly neccessary; it's their decadence that makes them so much fun!
And that goes double for leingerie...you only have to take one look at this beauty to know this is not the bra you throw on under your sweater for a day of grocery shopping...you'd crush those divine trailing ribbons of loveliness!
So lately I've been searching for beautiful ribbons that inspire me. I don't usually have a specific purpose in mind when I find them, I just know that their beauty speaks to me and I have to hold
that ribbon in my hands. I think that is part of the fun of creating...not knowing what the next creation is going to be. I love just playing with my supplies of trims and ribbons and laces; sometimes something comes together, and sometimes it doesn't. I've learned that you can't force something, you just have to wait for the right combination of elements. Each piece will dictate how it should be used; this dainty velvet ribbon lent itself perfectly to a delicate little fluff of soft white marabou feathers.
This choker came about because I fell in love with a gorgeous lace and ordered it without a clue what I was going to use it for. But as soon as I touched it I knew it was destined to become a luxurious choker; the lace was so silky and sensual that I couldn't imagine sewing it onto a garment....it had to be against my skin!
And my newest pieces are all about the beautiful sculptural quality of textiles...these soft Japanese laces draped and twisted so beautifully, I found myself just playing with the graceful shapes they could make. I love the interplay of textures between the cotton trims and the velvet ribbon. And I also love the idea that beautiful jewelry doesn't have to be cold and hard...it can be soft and sensual.
I like to think of my pieces as little mini versions of couture clothing....I've always longed to own just one of the beautiful couture dresses that float down the runways, but it's unlikely I ever will. Too expensive, and where would I wear something like that? But jewelry is so much more versatile; depending on what you pair it with you can wear a beautiful piece of jewelry for almost any occasion. So while you might not be able to own a hand sewn gown by Marchesa or Lacroix, you can wear a one of a kind creation of vintage silk ribbons hand sewn with pearls and feel as luxurious and decadent as any fashion princess.
