Search Results for:

“Elegant craftsmanship inspired by the strength and resilience captured in Elizabeth Catlett’s sculptural forms, honoring the enduring power of Black identity.”

 

The NEXT GENERATION

Elizabeth Catlett’s “A Second Generation” is a powerful testament to solidarity and resilience, echoing the themes of Margaret Walker’s seminal poetry collection, particularly her iconic poem “For My People.”

The coat, tailored from black cotton twill fabric with wool felt appliques, features a Nehru collar, faux flap pockets, attached belt, and A-line hem. The bright flames of revolution surrounding them have been re-imagined with 1970s Revolution graphics. The heads are facing each other in a stance of coming together in Black Love and Unity, and with raised fists in the Black Power salute, this coat design evokes a profound sense of unity and empowerment, advocating for love and strength within the Black community.

All Fashion-Art coats are bespoke, custom made for each client. Delivery lead-time is 60 to 90 days.

Yes, I’d like more information on how to order this coat.

 

“Crafted with precision, echoing the geometric elegance and vibrant storytelling of Jacob Lawrence’s iconic series, blending culture with modern design.”

 

The MIGRATION

Jacob Lawrence’s Migration Series stands as a poignant chronicle of the Great Migration, a monumental movement that saw over one million African Americans journey from the rural South to the bustling urban North. This historic migration reshaped the very foundations of American society, leaving an indelible mark on its social, economic, political, and cultural landscape.

Crafted from a blend of cotton and wool in a striking two-toned herringbone fabric, the coat exudes both elegance and durability. Adorned with African Nut Beads and featuring faux flap pockets, an attached belt, and an A-line hem, it pays homage to the resilience and ingenuity of those who participated in this transformative journey.

All Fashion-Art coats are bespoke, custom made for each client. Delivery lead-time is 60 to 90 days.

Yes, I’d like more information on how to order this coat.

 

Drawing inspiration from eight visual artists of the Harlem Renaissance, this Exhibition Collection embodies a cultural movement through both fashion and artistic expression. Therez Fleetwood skillfully merges traditional folk-art craftsmanship with contemporary flair, weaving compelling narratives into each garment. Using silk, wool, cotton, and jute as her canvases, she employs meticulously crafted felt fabric appliques, patchwork, and quilting techniques in place of traditional paint, creating a stunning fusion of history and modernity.

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

“Handcrafted with the spirit of William H. Johnson’s iconic style, combining bold colors and simplified forms for a modern, artistic statement.”

 

PORTRAITS

William H. Johnson’s vibrant and spirited “Portraits” paintings, characterized by their whimsical folk art style, depict colorful, geometric, and angular portrayals of women within his community. Each portrait captures the essence of Black women, showcasing their beauty and resilience. The coat, designed in a vintage-inspired 1940s silhouette with ¾ length sleeves, is embellished with hand-stitched artwork on vibrant burlap fabric, serving as a celebration of the essence and beauty of Black women within the folk art style.

All Fashion-Art coats are bespoke, custom made for each client. Delivery lead-time is 60 to 90 days.

Yes, I’d like more information on how to order this coat.

 

“Timeless designs that channel the grace and depth of Elizabeth Catlett’s artwork, transforming sculptural beauty into wearable works of art.”

 

MADONNA & CHILD

.In “Madonna,” Elizabeth Catlett re-imagines the timeless motif of Mary and the infant Jesus through an African-American lens, emphasizing the profound spiritual connection between mother and child.

The coat is crafted from black cotton twill fabric and adorned with wool felt appliques. The front textile-art design is inspired by the wax batiks of Zimbabwe, where Therez substitutes wax and dye for felt appliques. The artwork, inspired by Elizabeth Catlett, beautifully captures the universal essence of maternal love and spiritual devotion, transcending cultural boundaries.

All Fashion-Art coats are bespoke, custom made for each client. Delivery lead-time is 60 to 90 days.

Yes, I’d like more information on how to order this coat.

 

 “Luxurious craftsmanship inspired by the energetic patterns and bright hues of William H. Johnson’s work, bringing art to life in every stitch.”

The BREAKFAST

William H. Johnson’s “Breakfast for Madame” is a whimsical and folk-art style painting characterized by vibrant colors and graphic lines. In the 1930’s the Jacobia Hotel, which was once a fashionable destination, had fallen into disrepair and was repurposed as a brothel, this piece encapsulates that unique narrative.
The coat, crafted in burlap fabric, reflects both richness and sustainability, echoing the themes present in Johnson’s work. Foliage accents throughout the coat provide graphic lines and symmetry, enhancing its visual appeal. With an A-line silhouette and an exaggerated shawl collar, this coat exudes an air of elegance and drama, mirroring the spirit of Johnson’s artistic expression.

This limited edition Fashion-Art coat custom made for each client. Delivery lead-time is 60 to 90 days.

Yes, I’d like more information on how to order this coat.

 

“A fusion of craftsmanship and culture, echoing the legacy of Jacob Lawrence’s vivid storytelling in fabric and thread.”

 

The DREAM

Influenced by the vibrant women of his Harlem community, Jacob Lawrence captured the essence of urban life in his iconic Dream series. In this particular painting, a young woman reclines in front of expansive windows, transforming them into portals for her dreams and aspirations.

Reflecting the spirit of Lawrence’s portrayal, the coat is crafted from luxurious faux green suede with a wool hem and intricate wool felt appliques. Its ¾ length sleeves and “pouf” hip design add a touch of contemporary flair, mirroring the dynamism and creativity of the urban landscape.

All Fashion-Art coats are bespoke, custom made for each client. Delivery lead-time is 60 to 90 days.

Yes, I’d like more information on how to order this coat.

 

“Drawing from the bold storytelling and vivid scenes of Palmer Hayden, this design transforms cultural history into a wearable masterpiece.” The CARD GAME In Palmer Hayden’s “Card Game,” we are transported to a vibrant moment of African American life during the Harlem Renaissance, where four men are deeply engrossed in a tense game of poker, while two others engage in a lively match of pool in the background. Crafted from luxurious gold wool herringbone fabric, the two-piece coat exudes elegance and sophistication. It features a detachable capelet that adds a touch of drama, while the tailored undercoat boasts a Nehru collar and a cinched waist with a belt. Throughout the coat, scattered pool balls and playing cards whimsically echo the playful nature of the artwork, infusing it with dynamic energy and charm. All Fashion-Art coats are bespoke, custom made for each client. Delivery lead-time is 60 to 90 days. Yes, I’d like more information on how to order this coat.

Renowned fashion designer Therez Fleetwood has unveiled an extraordinary museum-inspired fashion-art collection, bearing the awe-inspiring title, ‘Harlem Renaissance Reverie: A Couture Canvas of Artistic Homage and Cultural Celebration.’ This groundbreaking collection pays tribute to the influential artists of the Harlem Renaissance, a period of immense cultural and artistic flourishing in African American history.

VIEW THE COLLECTION

The Intersection of Tradition and Modernity

The collection stands testimony to the harmonious blend of traditional folk art craftsmanship and contemporary design. Each garment is transformed into a storytelling canvas that celebrates the rich cultural heritage and artistic brilliance of the Harlem Renaissance era. The collection features coats inspired by eight luminaries from the Renaissance period, each piece a testament to the artistic ingenuity of a notable figure from that epoch.

Fleetwood’s Touch: Melding Creativity, Culture, and Respect

Therez Fleetwood’s commitment to honoring African American culture and history shines through in every meticulous stitch and weave of this collection. She skillfully merges creativity with a deep respect for African American culture, breathing life into the visionaries’ artwork through a fresh aesthetic. The collection narrates compelling stories, bringing to light the struggles, achievements, and indomitable spirit of African American life during the Harlem Renaissance.

Challenging Industry Norms and Redefining Standards

Through this collection, Fleetwood seeks not just to honor the past, but also to shape the future. She is redefining the boundaries of conventional fashion, making a powerful statement that champions African American life and challenges industry norms. Her work is not just about creating clothes, but about telling rich stories through meticulously crafted pieces. In doing so, she is redefining the fashion industry’s standards, illustrating her dedication to merging creativity with cultural respect.