Design for Philanthropy
As an artist, one of the most important ways I can use my designs is for the benefit of others. Over the years, I have costumed numerous philanthropic events and donated one-of-a-kind accessories to auctions for causes such as animal shelters, breast cancer awareness, pediatric cancer research, and most recently for the Actors Fund to benefit those impacted by the decimation of the entertainment industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Circus Couture (CC) is a philanthropic event raising funds to benefit the Cure 4 the Kids foundation in Las Vegas, NV. I was privileged to act as the Fashion Director for the first three years of the event, and in 2011 showed a collection as featured designer. This line involved a number of models with performance backgrounds including acrobatics, dance, and capoeira, and featured an adagio act. The CC mask is inspired by this featured line and symbolizes the nature of design for philanthropy.
Mask Composition
The fabrics and trim used in the CC mask were featured on the runway in a corseted playsuit ensemble, and were originally purchased in LA’s fabric district. The mask is designed with eyes that appear covered to the outside observer but still allow the wearer a modicum of visibility. The mask is built on a neoprene base and covered in a woven polyester print that was fused to a white cotton woven fabric for increased stability.
The mask was then embellished with a teal trim applique, hand sewn and decorated with gold rivets and crystal rhinestones.
This project is funded in part by the Cornell Council for the Arts. 
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