By/Por Leah Bergman
The Lisamichelle collection just presented the Spring and Summer 2012 line. One statement that rings true about this collection and its creative director, Lisa Felsenthal, was stated by Sir Francis Bacon, “Fashion is only the attempt to realize art in living forms and social intercourse.”
Felsenthal started as a sculpturist. She said, “I did a series of sculptural clothing pieces, and I realized I wanted to make something more useable, functional, and wearable.” Her training as an artist really rings though when you look at her new accessory line. “It was a very artistic process to create the accessories, a collage like process of mixing materials and trims. The accessories have a sculptural quality to them. This necklace (the one she was wearing) reminds me of sculptural wire wrapped balls,” said Felsenthal.
Her latest collection is art deco inspired. “I was inspired by the patterns in art deco architecture. A lot of the beading mimics those patterns,” she said. She also draws her inspiration from, “The glamour of the 1920s in terms of their glamorous dresses.”
Her collection ranges from draped silk jersey pieces to hand painted silk chiffon and georgette. “I also look for unique specialty fabrics. I found a stain-glassed metallic jacquard. Very unique and artistic and actually that color palette inspired the pastel color palette in the collection,” she said.
The collection was presented at Kolu clothing. “It is fun to have new fresh designs and faces come into your store… They build their line, and we see what they are doing, what their line looks like, and how the customers responds to it, “said Jane Mifflin of Kolu. When asked about customers’ responses to the Lisamichelle collection, Mifflin continued with, “Customers love it. She has a beautiful, feminine, aesthetic quality and fabulous accessories to go with it. She certainly has a vision of what she wants to do. Her silhouettes are feminine, interesting, and easy to wear. “
The Lisamichelle collection is feminine and lady-like while the accessories are sculptural. Felsenthal has stayed true to her vision, and people have responded by recognizing the artistry and passion of her pieces. The work reflects that Felsenthal is an artist, and fashion is now her medium.
To see more of the Lisamichelle Collection, please visit www.Lisamichellecollection.com
© 2012 Leah Bergman
