Mimi Prober’s amazing lace looks are elegant. Using recovered fragments of antique materials that date from the 18th and to the early 20th centuries, her pieces are natural and locally produced in luxury fibers. This New York-based designer and Fashion Institute of Technology graduate handcrafts her pieces. She also utilizes botanically based dye methods that come from custom textiles that are organically designed, artisanal and timeless.
At her NYFW show, Prober presented fascinating lace looks in dresses, suit dresses, gowns and skirts. Every one of her designs was an artistic masterpiece. The look is lovely, feminine, sexy and sophisticated. Designs incorporated the old and new in classic styles. Tops were often meshed and matched with heavier lacing. The variety of lacing kept the audience mesmerized, not knowing where the lacing technique began and ended. These clothes flowed beautifully up and down the runway. When models turned, you had a glimpse of how intricate details were featured even on the back of each of the garments. This collection takes you on a journey. Just finding the materials, which are collected from various places over time. Her extraordinary skills of beading, embroidery, patching, mixing and matching pieces to create a garment is artistic.
Prober’s philosophy is zero waste, and the designer uses materials that are collected from various places over time. Each piece is created by hand with one-of-a-kind placement that highlights an individual history and story. Prober is celebrated for her decorative and unique creations. The fact that she marries old and new artistry allows her to build sustainable fashions for the future. It’s all about reusing antiques that create handcrafted heirlooms. Her works honor the hands that create art. The idea makes you want to go into your closets and take a look in antiques shops and old jewelry boxes. You will be surprised at your finds that may very well include lace, embroidery, threads, buttons, beads and bows that can be used to create something new. Think of it as a fashion treasure hunt. It’s a start.
The Mimi Prober Metamorphosed Art Fine Jewelry collection is also handcrafted. She works with reclaimed sterling silver from the 19th and 20th centuries. Each of her jewelry pieces is developed organically into modern sculptural forms. Both of these collections are produced in New York, as she partners directly with local artisans, farms, mills and manufacturers. Good show!
