custom made

Whether there's a pandemic on or not we still love our clothes; why wait for an occasion to dress up? Mom is a master of alterations and as a short stocky person with small shoulders and wide hips, I reap the benefits of her sewing projects.

This cute number not only has a shortened waist and floaty, multi-level hem, but there's trimming and embroidery on the front and back.

Skirts are often awkwardly long on me, but I do love to wear them! Here's a simple black mock neck that Mom took from floor-dragging to a nice tea-length. It looks great with a waistcoat and pin.

And she shortened this A-line dress from Uniqlo's Marimekko collaboration, from an awkward length that reminded us of school uniforms to a cheerier knee-length.

Summer things are the most fun! Dresses of Indian cotton and cheesecloth are always a pleasure to wear. We ordered several dresses online and Mom cut them down to my size.

This maroon and midnight blue paisley had a section cut out at the waist and the top made into a tank style.

This green dress is one of my favourites - originally the same as the maroon, then Mom cut the sides out and added straps from the leftover material.

She also embroidered the neckline in a contrasting red.

Who doesn't love a cool jumpsuit? Marimekko had a line of oversized pinstripe jumpsuits last summer, and their sleek lines were already lovely in that flowy Japanese style, like hakama. 

But a pop of bright mint on the shoulders make the straps more comfortable and elevate this jumpsuit to an easy fashion favourite, perfect for picnics.

Even my accessories are tweaked and customised. These face masks were designed by my aunt, who also created the artwork. Mom adjusted the straps so they were thinner and more secure around my ears and face.

These beaded cuffs have a hand-embroidered scale design and were made from scratch from material left over from a repurposed silk jacket. Their design is hypnotic and the cuffs are so comfortable and pretty.

When I put on these clothes Mom made with her hands I think we both feel closer. There's a little bit of sympathetic magic that generates when she makes them and I wear them. Maybe it's the magic of family, two fellow artists enjoying each other's work, or both.