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Creating Beauty That Protects

Sartorial Artist Explores the Aesthetics of Personal Politics and Heritage

OPENING DAY:January 4 from 6:00 to 8:30 PM.
CLOSING EVENT: February 13 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM

Both Events are Free and open to the public. RSVP REQUIRED. Email: ny.renginiai@urm.lt

LOCATION: Consulate General of Lithuania | 420 5th Ave #304 | New York, NY 10018

EXHIBITION DATES: January 4 to February 14, 2017

December 20, 2016, New York, New York: A man sees a vision of respect for nature’s hierarchy and harmony, hearing a song that connects him with his ancestors and with deity. He dwells in a peaceful myth of Želva, a place of fertility, vitality and rejuvenation. And so the journey begins, the starting point of the 'Creating BeautyThat Protects' fashion exhibition that will be will be held at the Consulate General of Lithuania located at 420 5th Ave #304, New York, NY 10018 from January 4 to February 14, 2017. The exhibition will showcase the work of Lithuanian born fabric arts and fashion designer Vilma Mare. Exhibit opening will be on January 4 from 6:00 to 8:30 PM. The event is open to the public at no cost. Prior registration is required by e-mail at: ny.renginiai@urm.lt.

"The opening of Vilma Mare's exhibition "Creating Beauty That Protects," will be the first event at the Consulate General of Lithuania in New York for 2017. This meaningful and timely articulation from an accomplished designer of Lithuanian heritage will set a positive tone for the coming year as an expression of Lithuanian culture and the universal human values of peace, security and beauty." Aistė Jakštienė - Vice Consul of the Consulate General of Lithuania in New York

In discussing the function of clothing in a pre christian time, scholar ethnologist Vytautas Tumenas indicates that beauty used to be 'created for protection.' Whether it was a ceremonial, bridal outfit or a dress for success - the goal was sacred and held powerful.

The current approach to the way fashion is 'consumed' is to dress to provoke, shock, revolt or pull into a sense of belonging with methodologies that have a main focus on marketability. By keeping a constant connection with origin, Vilma resists these fleeting trends and vain cosmopolitan approaches in her designs. By respecting her relationship to self and others, Vilma beautifies and supports a vibrant community, outwardly protecting her wearers, guarding them from invaders who would seek to homogenize and conscript a rich vibrant history and tradition. The timeless identity and individuality that is informed by a set of rich cultural traditions and beliefs is incorporated into the garments, providing the protection of a cultural heritage. This is all done with an eye on supporting an identity that pays homage to the past while maintaining a simple yet vibrant and diverse visual aesthetic.

The centerpiece of the exhibition features an archetypal tree that is stitched in relief out of wool felt. A monumental composition fitting it’s canopy from the very ceiling to the roots flooded on the floor. The exhibit will also consist of a variety of interior decorations, wall hangings and clothing. A series of classic suits and separates that depart from the usual and expected are designed as form fitting uniforms with exposed seam detail that suggests organic lines of growth reminiscent of tree root systems. These sensuous nature based designs naturally hug and enhance the bodies of their wearers and empower them with a strong feminine energy. Preferring to work with natural materials, Vilma designs with boiled knit wool that easily steams out wrinkles and travels well, a practical nod towards a modern lifestyle.

Fiber art and clothing will be available for purchase. Custom orders will also be taken.

Regular viewing hours at the Consulate General of Lithuania will be from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday from January 5 to February 14 of 2017. A closing event will take place on February 13, 3:00 to 5:00 PM.

For more information on Vilma Mare visit her website: www.vilmamare.com

About the Designer

Vilma Mare studied at Kaunas College in Lithuania and F.I.T. in the US. Through an application of traditional quilt making as an art form and healing gift, she invented a technique of tailoring within a new aesthetic and original style. Vilma has shown in galleries around the world including France, Lithuania and NYC and her clothes have been featured in hot NYC boutiques such as Patricia Fields, Antique Boutique, About Time, Henri Bendel, Bond 07 and others. For more information: vilmamare.com

'Beauty That Creates Protection' is produced by 2440 Design Studio and sponsored in part by the Consulate General of Lithuania in New York and Electric City Couture.