We're all mad here...

The inspiration behind my fall Alice in Wonderland brooch line, was quite simply the concept of growing up. The story really is a great metaphor for life and self discovery-- trying to understand the world around you and where and how you fit into it. So many elements are involved, which makes the transition into "adulthood" such a fascinating one. From physical metamorphosis,to learning and adapting to change, understanding the struggles and advantages of language/communication, and the realization that mortality is an inescapable part of life-- life is one big confusing puzzle, and we go through it trying to put all the pieces together. Throughout the process we learn, grow, and adapt.
To elaborate on these themes and how they will play into my fall line and accompanying multi-media endeavors:
Metamorphosis: In my late teens/early twenties I had a mentor-- a talent manager-- who gave me some of the best life advice. One day she was reading lines from a script with me before an audition and I just started crying-- like uncontrollably bawling. She asked me what was wrong and I said in between sobs, "I looked at myself in the mirror today and suddenly saw my life, in fast-forward. I imagined myself at 25, 30, 40, 50...and it freaked me out. The thought of changing..." She looked at me square in the eyes and said, "You'll find comfort someday in knowing that change is the only thing you can count on." How true those words were. Change is inevitable, but what's so impressive is how well we adapt to it.

Learning the Rules: You can learn a lot just from reading a book, but in order for the words to have true meaning to you, there has to be some point of reference, and that comes from experience. With each new experience we become smarter, stronger, and more adaptable to change. Love, heartache, friendships, jobs...they are constant but evolving parts of life.

Language/Communication: Humans thrive on communication, yet, in our day-to-do exchanges it is often wrought with inconsistency and slipperiness. After enough experience with relationships-- both romantic and platonic, business exchanges and, quite simply, life, I have come to the following conclusion: Language is the most valuable source of joy and adaptability, but it can also be a source of great confusion. Every single one of us can justify even the most absurd ideas or behavior, and the arguments we make to support them are absolutely valid to us in that moment. At the root of finding compromise/common ground is reasoning, more so with ourselves than the other person-- discerning the logical solution even in the most illogical situations.

Death: Death is the final step in the process of "growth." Once we come to terms with the inevitably of it--that there is no escaping it-- it makes life seem more real and important somehow. A gift not to be taken for granted.

I will be using lots of black, red and white in my fall line, as well as hearts, linking chains, and timeless charms-- all signifying the stages of growth in life. It has been quite fun and therapeutic developing the concepts, and I can't wait to be able to show the finished products! Very proud of this endeavor. Here's my favorite so far...