Sonin, Ramona, (USA)
Steel Magnolia
Ramona Sonin, based in Texas, is a costume designer, stylist and educator. For 20 years she lived, worked and played in California (Venice Beach and the deserts) before she made her way back south. “I believe it is these two eccentricities in my life that created the perfect storm known as my artistic practice.”
“I grew up in the south under the influence of an eccentric southern grandmother, a true Steel Magnolia. …I was flower crowned by her roses most of my young life.”
The Steel Magnolia, a native of the south, embodies feminine and fortitude. This is a concept that is rich and captivating for a paper couture garment that also combines strength, resilience and femininity. The Steel Magnolia is a term often used to describe a woman who possesses both inner strength and grace. It signifies a blend of toughness and vulnerability, embracing my theme of the armoured feminine.
The fragility of paper is elevated to the protective armour of the armoured feminine. In the context of paper, the idea of something remaining forever is unlikely. Inherently fragile and susceptible to damage, the impermanence of material raises questions about transience and tomorrow.
This paper Steel Magnolia symbolizes the idea that even though external appearances and current situations are temporary, the strength and resilience of the feminine spirit can leave a lasting impact and the enduring legacy of empowerment.
The paper wig will be a statement to feminine and fortitude. The wig's height and adornments pay a loving tribute to both the elaborate hairstyles of the Rococo era and the iconic big hair fashions of southern belles of the American south.
materials
Recycled and upcycled paper, responding to the lasting impact of recycling. The structure bodice will be shredded lace paper woven back together and stitched for strength and the pannier structure will be created from upcycled cardboard.
The “feather” skirt is created from shredded and then brushed Japanese lace papers with each “feather” being stitched onto a string of Japanese lace paper strips that are spun into small string ropes with a power drill (delicacy and strength). Another fabric being utilized in Steel Magnolia is tea bag paper. Incorporating tea bag paper not only adds texture and visual interest to the fabric but also serves as a nod to the iconic beverage of the American South, sweet iced tea.
See the Work on Film
Photos Credit: Grant Wells Photo