Fashion Designs in 3-D with actual Flowers

Now that we are past the holiday rush and in for the long winter hibernation, what ways can we keep the art of the garden alive while inside? It is still too early for Spring seed plantings (although I am certainly in the planning stages.) In Minneapolis we have the Conservatory with its upcoming winter sunken garden show. It is a great January escape under a night sky with live music if you are wanting to join me. If you are past the fix for baking or movies & jigsaws are just too sedimentary .....

How about the world where Floral meets Fashion. I see a handful of friends doing the painting night out with wine. But how about pairing those creative instincts with fresh flowers and bright colors? I was inspired by an article in My Modern Met which features a Singapore based artist named Grace Ciao. Simply put, she combines couture sketches with textures of real flowers and vines. Imagine Barbie in Rose Petals and you get the drift. I can tell by viewing her work that color is the point of entry. But shape and dimension come a close second.

Obviously, she has a great sense of drawing skills. But it is her whimsy that commands your attention. I am curious which comes first - the floral or the apparel in the sketch? There are plenty of Roses. But who could have imagined what she does with a pair of Calla Lilies as Gaucho pants! Or how about layers of pink and lavender Alstroemerias? She uses a simple Parrot Tulip to create a tuille ballet tutu. Of course, a summer skirt of Sunflower petals. She calls the drawings Bloom Belles and now even has classes where others can create their own under her guidance. 

I find them all amazing. It is no wonder that she lists clients as Fendi, Chanel & Christian Dior. Her watercolor skills are lovely on their own and she also ventures into pattern designs for wallpaper and stationery. Here are only a handful to share. Visit her Insta page to see more of her incredible work.

Grace Ciao: Instagram