Chanel vs. Harajuku

By ElephunksTrunk

Every month I receive Boston Handmade’s Artist Opportunities newsletter. The email is always chalk full of information about upcoming shows, grant opportunities, and other exciting ways to make the most out of life as an artist in the greater Boston area. The most recent newsletter contained information about Uforge gallery’s September assignment: Chanel vs. Harajuku.

Uforge is a gallery in Jamaica Plain organized around a unique concept: every month they issue thematic assignments and exhibit the works of any artists who respond to the call. For September, Uforge asked for two dimensional artwork or works of wearable couture inspired by the aesthetic of Coco Chanel and the Harajuku district of Japan—famous for its eclectic mix of counter cultural fashion. It seemed like an assignment created especially for me, so of course I entered. Here is the hat I created specially for the exhibit:

Made with a hand blocked mini pillbox base, covered in brown satin, and decorated with curled pheasant flowers and a cream millinery rose, this fascinator hat combines the elegance of Chanel with the spunk of Harajuku. It will be on display and for sale at Uforge Gallery throughout the month of September.

Where: Uforge Gallery 767 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain

When: Show runs September 1-30. Public reception September 10 6-8PM