Vilma Maré Fashion Exhibition at McDaris Fine Art Features ‘Baltic Style’

Works from 'Queen of Serpents' by Vilma Mare

Works from ‘Queen of Serpents’ by Vilma Mare

(HUDSON, N.Y.) – “Queen of Serpents,” an innovative fashion exhibition featuring Baltic-style works by Lithuanian born, regionally based fashion designer Vilma Maré, is on display now through February at McDaris Fine Art (623 Warren Street). This exhibition of artisanal clothing styles includes coats, skirts and other vestments based in Baltic mythology. Besides the usual body protection and adornment of apparel, Maré also maintains its spiritual content, as protection against harm and attractor of fertility and happiness.

Additionally, Maré will exhibit five oversized, sartorial tapestries based on characters from the mythical story of Egle, “Queen of Serpents,” and nine large original flags depicting a traditional celebration scene.

A closing reception on Sunday, February 22, 2015, from 2 to 4pm, will feature an artist talk by Maré, in which she will discuss the importance of portraying the studious cultural history of ethnic minorities who observed and valued above all the powers of Nature.

 

Works from 'Queen of Serpents' by Vilma Mare

Works from ‘Queen of Serpents’ by Vilma Mare

Egle, “Queen of Serpents,” is a feminine image from Baltic myth with hereditary connection to indigenous rites, worship of ancestral land and family values, and harmonious dialogue between humankind and nature. The purpose of the ceremony and the installation is to restore the values of a sacred world. This story depicts an ancient ritual understood from a female perspective whereby Egle takes a central role as a mediator between sacral and secular spheres.

Exploring this non-heroic Baltic myth, the artist promotes the preservation of indigenous identity and respect for its idiosyncrasies through a wearable design aesthetic. Maré’s Baltic Style dresses a woman in comforting ensembles of healthy natural fabrics that portray her within serene, thoughtful semantics communicating universal values of respect for the Earth and female fertility, and a devotion to family and health.

 

Works from 'Queen of Serpents' by Vilma Mare

Works from ‘Queen of Serpents’ by Vilma Mare

According to Corey Aldrich, founder of Electric City Couture, runway fashion shows by local designers, and one of the sponsors of this exhibition, “Vilma Maré brings a heightened sense of connection and meaning to the clothing she designs. By combining a high degree of design and craftsmanship with a strong sense of spirituality, she transcends the boundaries of typical fashion and creates an empowered, wearable aesthetic.”

A pop-up store will feature Maré’s clothing designs for sale.

Maré studied at Kaunas College in Lithuania and New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology. Through an application of traditional quilt making, she invented a technique of tailoring within an original aesthetic featuring her signature vertical, rhythmic lines stitched into an intertwined composition like a net or map, which helps shape and fit the silhouette. Maré has shown in galleries around the world, including France, Lithuania and New York, and her clothes have been featured in New York City boutiques such as Patricia Fields, Antique Boutique, About Time, Bond 07, Henri Bendel and others.

 

Works from 'Queen of Serpents' by Vilma Mare

Works from ‘Queen of Serpents’ by Vilma Mare

Additional event production and support for the “Queen of Serpents” exhibition is provided by 2440 Design Studio and Electric City Couture.

 

McDaris Fine Art is located at 623 Warren Street, Hudson, N.Y. the exhibition continues during gallery hours, 11am to 5pm Thursday–Monday, through February 2015. Admission is free.

 

 

 

 

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