Description:

“Rapunzel” is a wearable art piece that represents the idea of hair as a symbol of power, femininity, and self-expression. Rrapunzel is a wearable art work that combines my love for fashion art, textile art, and fiber art in a way that perfectly showcases the beauty and power of hair. The piece is a stunning combination of black synthetic hair fibers sewn onto nylon mesh and hand-spun lace, which creates a cascading effect that reaches all the way down to the floor. The dress is trimmed with hand-beaded sequins, marabou, and hackle feathers, which add a touch of glamour and texture to the piece.

The name “Rapunzel” is inspired by the fairy tale character who is known for her long, beautiful hair, which she uses to escape from her tower. In this piece, hair is not just a physical extension of the wearer but also a metaphorical one. The long, flowing locks symbolize freedom and the ability to break free from societal constraints.

As a child, I used to visit 125th street in Harlem with my mom to have my hair braided by native African women. Those moments always made me feel beautiful and empowered. As I grew older, I became more and more interested in exploring my African roots, and that’s when I realized the pivotal role that hair has played in my life.

In conclusion, “Rapunzel” is one of my proudest creations. It’s a wearable art masterpiece that showcases the beauty and power of hair. It’s a braided dress that blurs the lines between fashion, art, and culture, and it’s a perfect example of fiber art.

This work was created prior to me visiting the African continent to meet a portion of my immediate biological family for the first time.

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