Artists

Olivia Batchelder
Wearable Art

ARTIST’S STATEMENT:

Beginning with pure white silk, Olivia Batchelder applies liquid dyes to the gossamer cloth using watercolor techniques. The luminous surface drinks in the pure color and becomes a vibrant surface. Fire comes next, in the form of a 3-hour steam chamber, marrying the dye molecule to the silk fiber. After this, the color is permanent. Finished pieces may be hand-washed or dry-cleaned. Art couture is the result of this alchemical process.

To purchase call: 310-377-7144 or e-mail: gabrielle2@earthlink.net

BIRD OF PARADISE COAT – An abstract botanical painting adorns the celadon colored crepe de chine outer layer of this striking lined silk coat. The coral colored lining and trim are silk shantung, the hue shimmering between cool and warm pinkish orange hand-painted ombres. Altho kimono-inspired, the coat has a contemporary shape – wide at the hem, fitting details like princess seaming to fit the bosom and slightly taper at the waist, and set-in sleeves that are modified dolman, ending with a narrow wrist. All sizes possible. Special order.

Price: $1,500.

FLAME GOWN – warm and cool reds combine to make this crepe de chine gown undulate like a flame. Cut on the bias, the floor length gown has three asymmetrical layers, a plunge back, and is trimmed with braid made from the same hand-dyed fabric. Coordinating wrap is red silk organza with tuck stitching and luxurious crepe de chine border. All sizes possible. Special order only. Ensemble

Price: $1,200.

MERMAID ENSEMBLE – This 4-piece ensemble is extremely versatile. Made from hand-painted crepe de chine in an ocean palette of mixed blues, kelp, and chareuse, the outfit is a bias cut two-layer skirt with a center front slit. A superbly tailored self-lined camisole is also cut on the bias and has side vents and a shaped hem. The bias cut jacket is long in the back and shorter in the front with a center back slit. The outfit is completed by a generous, wide wrap made from 4” wide strips of bias crepe de chine sewn together with a merrow stitch. Sea lettuce edges on all pieces complete the mermaid ensemble. All sizes possible. Special order.

Price: $1,400.