My research into fast fashion for my bison sculpture’s new location in an old Forever 21 has me dreaming of a unique, symbolic sculpture for my latest social sculpture endeavor, Symbiosis Celebration. I searched the resale online sites for a used/vintage acrylic bag. A simple bag, sculptural in shape, that I would fill with the large bills and dead butterflies in the Eco-System piece in my 2022 portfolio. However, as I explored acrylic vintage bags and thought about how to intertwine fashion to elevate my Symbiosis Celebration work, an idea was born. I discovered the Hermes-designed clear acrylic tote that originated during the 1996 Paris terror attacks as a tribute piece and in response for the lives lost in that tragic event and the follow-up tote for the 1997 'Hermès Souvenir de l’Exposition. The underside reads ‘Un Voyage au Pays de Merveilles’, which translates to ‘A Trip to Wonderland’.
The trip to wonderland' is the inspiration for my new work - but with a new Anthropocene symbolism behind it.
I will wear the iconic clear vintage purse filled with drop-dead gorgeous dead butterflies and large bills to the Lawndale's upcoming brunch, where my living sculpture Symbiosis is and where my idea for urban eco-tourism was born; this recycled wonderland bag promises to draw attention with a new purpose and all thanks to its meaningful content and viral hashtag potential! When Symbiosis Celebration takes off, truly the world will transform into Wonderland the Hermes team dreamed of.
On a side note, my brief research into Hermes revealed they are and have been a leader in eco concious slow fashion.
Me in my closet deciding how and what to wear with the Hermes tote. Imagine it full of bills and butterflies. I could not decide whether to go minimalist or put my best fashion foot forward. So I decided to consult with one of my favorite edgy and fashion-forward textiles artist and fashionista, Loren Siems, and Houston’s Kick Pleat team.
Wish me luck.
At the event
Image by Laura Bolton.
At the event
Image by Laura Burlton