Rhythm and Bluez
Photography by Emilee Brown
Rhythm and Bluez is a collection of painted clothing that was inspired from the relationship between music and denim. It all started with my passion for activism, love for fashion, and admiration for Chance the Rapper. I had a dream one night of a jean jacket painted with Chance the Rapper's Coloring Book album cover and the skyline of Chicago and knew I had to make it become a reality. Chicago has a special place in my heart from spending every holiday there to living there the past two summers. Chance the Rapper is significant because not only is he extremely innovative in his musical creations, but he also is an activist for his community. I admire how much he sacrifices because he genuinely cares about the city of Chicago and all the people that inhabit it. Then, my friend reached out to me about creating the Acid Rap album cover for him. Since then, it has caught wind and I have created four custom painted jean jackets, and one painted leather jacket, with four more in the works. I love how it has helped connect me to people I may have never met and is a great conversation starter. It transcends racial, gender, and even socio-economic barriers because you are connecting with someone about their taste in music. It has been a really powerful tool in unifying people of all backgrounds using something as necessary as clothing.
Then, I was inspired by the theme of the Apparel Marketing and Design Alliance's fashion show: Into the Woods. I had purchased a dress in the 7th grade from a thrift store. It was beautifully constructed, but quite atrocious with the bright orange color, puffy sleeves, and orange lace ruffles. I knew I could turn it into something great, but little did I know it would win first place in the Upcyling category of the fashion show! I cut off the sleeves, and transformed them into two bows for the waistline of the dress. Then, I cut off all of the lace ruffles. I tried to dye it black-- it did not work AT ALL. I did some trial and error with painting it, and after six coats of paint, I transformed the vivid orange dress into a mountain scene fading into a galaxy. I have a deep appreciation for mountains and have had the privilege to go to a different national park every summer with my family.
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Recently I was contacted by the Manhappenin Magazine-- a local fashion magazine fully run by K-State students-- to do an article about my painted clothing! It was an incredible opportunity and such an honor to be featured. I plan to continue my hobby of painting clothing.
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Refashioning the World, article written about my work in the Manhappenin Magazine
