Three simple words, "America Made Me," elicit unique feelings and
emotions in each of us. They may summon images of products: a
Thunderbird convertible, a bottle of Coca Cola, or the classic little red
wagon. Others may think of their immigrant grandfather or the
hometown boy who became famous. The invention of the internet or
the latest mobile device may come to mind, but the common thread is
an acknowledgement of America's desire to make and create.
"America Made Me" examines how the creative worlds of art,
fashion and design draw strength and inspiration from one
another, and how their union illustrates the relevance of
American craft and heritage.
The exhibition, which debuted at
Wanted Design in New York,
presented a firsthand look at the
creation of authentic blue jeans,
from bolts of selvage denim to the
designers' personal signatures on
each pair.
American "jeansmiths," Sarah and Victor Lytvinenko of Raleigh Denim, used vintage sewing
machines, hand work, and traditional construction methods to create the perfect pair of blue jeans.
Artist Jephson Robb's 84 inch hand carved sculptures of
solid walnut and bronze integrated art into the installation.
Aptly titled "Clothes Horse," the six unique pieces
embraced and enhanced the blue jeans, while remaining
at their essence, striking works of art.
Design was represented in the exhibition by
Powerbar. The design concept for Powerbar revealed
how one creative field can inspire new ideas in
another. Based on fundamental elements of vintage
fabric-cutting tables, Raleigh Denim created a
meeting and dining table tailor made for the iPad
generation.
Even though the words "America Made Me" have a very
different meaning to a North Carolina fashion house and
a Scottish artist, they merge into one common belief: The
American heritage of creating and making both products
and people is alive, ever-adapting and ready to make its
mark in a new century.
america made me
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wanted design exhibition
vintage sewing machines
clothes horse
jephson robb
raleigh jeans
powerbar
fabric-cutting table