First we were charmed by the acclaimed fashion illustrator Jim Howard, who walked us through his long lived and amazing career which culminated in an incredible body of work. His first years with Goodfriend's through his famous years with Neiman Marcus and illustrating everyone's designs from Coco Chanel to Yves St. Laurent! Working in the business from the 1940's and into the '90s, the man was an encyclopedia of fashion history! He was a rockstar in the fashion world until photography completely took over and killed the illustration end of the business.
Then we were dazzled by our favorite fabric shop proprietor in Boulder, Elfriede Gamow of Elfriede's Fine Fabrics. She told us of her early years living in Germany through WWII; being inspired by her father the dollmaker, who came home from the war when most men didn't; living behind the iron curtain after her town was walled in by the Russians; and subsequently leaving as a refugee to live in 2 camps and ultimately winning a scholarship to CU in Boulder. After her studies, she became biologist and worked in academia. But, she was a skilled dressmaker having learned the art from her family and always practicing the fine art of handsewing; making dresses without aid of a sewing machine. In 1963, the only fabric store in Boulder was having a going out of business sale. She bought the store, left the academic life and has never looked back. She brought her collection of fine and beautiful garments that have been made for her over the years. What an exquisite exhibit of fine garment construction...and STYLE! Such elegant style and class! Many of the garments in this display were made 20-30 years ago and could easily be worn today...and she does!
Both Jim and Elfriede's collections will be on display for another week at TACtile Arts Center in Denver. I hope you will have the opportunity to visit and see some of the other amazing textile arts hosted there! It's an incredible resource and could use your support!
