Glory Dance

My collection, Glory Dance, is inspired by a dance hall that my great great grandfather opened in the 1940’s. This was a time characterized by the Depression, WWII, and the recession. This is important to think about because it changed the experience. Buzzards’ Glory, the dance hall, was inexpensive entertainment. It offered an evening of authentic experience, one that involved one another in their purest forms. People really fell in love with the heart of it. Music and dance brought people together two doors down from the dance hall, which was located in rural Maryland, and two hours south from the city. At the time no alcohol was prohibited and home cooked meals were prepared to be shared. An event that started out of his barn grew into an actual dance hall to support what grew to be an experience that would be loved for years to come. My grandmother today always comments on the fact that no one “really dances” anymore. This is what inspired me. The idea of recreating this experience today to bring back the authenticity from a time before us. 

Themes in my process include military inspiration, folk art, Americana themes, and more. While there was a strong mood conforming to the feelings of hardships from that era, I quickly knew that I wanted to focus on the positive side of the story. I wanted to tell a story of community and togetherness in times of hardship. It is confirmed time and time again that some of the most positive things come from challenging times.

My muse is someone who reflects the authenticity that defined the experience. While the barn dance was located in rural Maryland, I placed my muse Montana, the midwest, a place that I feel reflects the down-to-earth nature of the experience. She is someone who lives in a tiny home close to her family, close enough to be present but, at the same time have a more individual living experience. Her home is filled with furniture that has been passed down from parents and grandparents. Her love for antiques has been passed down from her grandfather and it shows. 

The textiles are the driving force in the collection. The majority of the collection is made up of antique textiles, featuring antique grain bags. Working with textiles that already have a story within them steered my design process. Finding the balance between the tailored silhouettes and handcrafted textiles and old and new fabrics was a repeated process. After establishing the balance, the next step was the most transformative. Seeing the garment and handling the materials allowed me to add embroidery, appliqué, and painting, the details that bring the garments to life. My love for antique materials started as a child. I remember walking through my grandparents basement and barn while my grandfather told me stories about what my grandmother considered his “junk”. At that time I think my joy in it came from the happiness it brought him to story-tell but, later on in life I grew to love antiques and the stories within them. 

Inspired by the 1940’s it is impossible to ignore the presence of gender roles in society at that time. This makes it even more relevant to address how they have changed since then. While I designed my pieces as a womenswear collection something I am passionate about is gender fluidity in fashion. My pieces, especially the coats and jackets can and should be worn by anyone. I take a menswear approach to all of my design creating more opportunity for each piece.