The Fashionistas

“If there were a Noble Prize for patience, Elizabeth Anyaa could win it.” – Holly Haber. For most designers creating designs begins with the fabric, for Elizabeth Anyaa it begins with laboriously felting her own material. Her highly skilled felting techniques combine silk chiffon, cotton organza and wool into exquisitely wearable, functional garments. These organic and elegant masterpieces will be featured on the runway at the bi-annual THE FASHIONISTAS Runway Series on September 24, 2011, sponsored by FD Luxe. The event will be hosted at the Trinity River Audubon Center where the natural vistas will be backdrop to Anyaa’s exquisite artistry and her unique formation, drape and coloration.

Anyaa’s unique perspective and creative designs are a culmination of her artistic passion and global travels. Born in West Africa, Anyaa began designing with found materials at the tender age of 7. It was during her youth spent in Sierra Leone, and later Ghana, that the colorful clouds, mountains, seascapes and textiles of West Africa captivated her. These inspirations continue to form her sense of color and composition.

Anyaa studied textile design in Finland. The Scandinavian nation, with its long history of textile development, was an ideal place for the designer to polish her skills in weaving, felting and surface design and to develop her artistic vision.

Anyaa moved to the United States in 1996 and because of her unique training and experiences she has been inspired to weave non-traditional materials into her textiles. Metal, leather, straw, plastic and other unexpected textures create eye catching three-dimensional masterpieces of wall art and home accessories. She employs the same techniques to produce creative and unique one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories. Her fashions have appeared in national and local magazines and newspapers including Women’s Wear Daily and the Dallas Morning News.

By Megan McQuery