Michigan

I have been designing textile and fiber accessories for over forty years. Years ago I spent time with some wonderful Wolof Village women in Senegal, West Africa. Senegal is known as the “Paris” of Africa. I was inspired by their impeccable fashion sense, their intricate beading techniques as well as their unusual woven fabrics. When I returned home, I began adding a similar beading to my own work and importing the fabrics. When the small, family-owned factory in Dakar that manufactured the fabric closed in early 2004, I purchased as much fabric as I could. Now the woven fabrics are truly “vintage”. As far as I know, they are no longer available anywhere. The unavailability of the fabric has encouraged me to begin working with fine silks and boucleٰ knits. Through the years my body of work has evolved. It ranges from youthful and stylish to high fashion and sophisticated. I call my work African Influenced - Urban Chic. My designs are very wearable and appeal to everyone but still give a “nod” to those early years in Senegal and memories of the women who inspired me.