Rapunzel Gown: “Project Epidermis “ Collection, Haute Couture, Fall/Winter 2010-11

Black Synthetic Hair Fibers hand sewn onto Nylon Mesh and hand spun Lace, Trimmed with hand beading, sequin, marabou and Hackle feathers.

“From the moment that I approached Lola’s Hair Salon while walking up 125th street in Harlem, NYC; I knew that that was where the Rapunzel Gown should be first exhibited! 

Growing up, my mom has always told me that a woman’s hair is an extension of her beauty. As a child, every few weeks she would take me to 125^th street in Harlem to get my hair braided in elaborate braid styles by native African women. I always left those salon chairs feeling so pretty and filled with so much joy. It was when considering this childhood memory and the idea that hair has a real connection to our emotions that I embarked on this collection. Being the explorer that I am, I could not simply limit my journey to the hair strands alone, I needed to get to the ROOT (pun Intended!) of this beautiful strange strand of protein that holds so much significance in lives of woman (and some men) across the globe. It is my hope that my Rapunzel Gown will make a woman feel as beautiful as does her hair.”

The Rapunzel gown is 1 part of a 7-piece collection that explores the science and beauty of the hair follicle.