A visit to my studio

May 07, 2020 in Couture Studio, Couture, dresses

I ventured out last weekend to make a citibike trip to my studio where I haven’t been since early March. I was greeted by a lovely sunny view of everything in place just as I left it. I collected some fabric and things I could use to work from home. I am making a limited edition of masks and samples. To this end I have set up a page called “Shop” where you can view items that I have for purchase. In the spirit of couture, you may contact me directly to inquire about any items that you are interested in. I can send additional information/ photos on most items and answer questions as to fit and construction. I take many forms of payment including PayPal, Venmo, Zelle and regular credit cards. I hope you are all well and manginging to stay safe in our altered reality.♥️

Life in the time of social distancing

March 20, 2020 in Art, Couture, Couture Studio

Like many of you whose professions do not require you to be on the front lines helping to fight the corona virus, or feeding and caring for the population- I am working as best as possible from home. I’ve been doing some drawings which I hope you find diverting. I will be back to work on my client’s projects as soon as it is safe. in the meantime I am creating a page on this site for items I have currently available- Inquiries are always welcome!

Thank you for taking the time to visit and stay safe!

with love, Elizabeth

Ha pp y Va l e nt i ne s Day!

February 14, 2020

Draped silk dresses

February 07, 2020 in Couture Studio, Couture, Art, Special Occasion dresses

4-ply silk crepe is a beautiful fabric with a luxurious hand that can be worn year round

engraving - jean-jaques lequeu - living room at Hotel le Montholon - 1786 - Dress - 4-ply silk with silk chiffon sleeve and lining - size 6 -$950. — engraving - jean-jaques lequeu - living room at Hotel le Montholon - 1786 -
**Dress - 4-ply silk with silk chiffon sleeve and lining - size 6 -$950.**

December 31, 2019

Winter Sale !

December 04, 2019 in Couture, Couture Studio, dresses, Sale Dresses, Special Occasion dresses, African/Dutch Wax Prints

I will be having my Winter Sale on Tuesday, Dec 10 - there will be new items as well as older couture stock at greatly reduced prices- if you cannot attend on the day of the sale, please get in touch to make an appointment in the following days until Dec 30. Happy Holidays to All!

Colorful Couture Fall

November 03, 2019 in Art, Couture Studio, dresses, inspiration

The Chelsea Galleries are full of color and inspiration this month. I only have to leave my studio and walk a few steps to enter whole other worlds .

Nicolas Party has transformed the Flag Art Foundation into a stage set for pastel works by various artists including Degas and Mary Cassatt. His Rococo- inspired murals cover whole rooms in the lavishly colored 2 floor space.

Pastel wall painting by Nicolas Party with painting by Edgar degas

pearl silk and wool suit w/ cloisonné buttons

green silk jersey, wool Pierre Cardin -inspired Mom’s bat mitzvah dress, black chiffon, japanese cotton ikat dresses, white silk and wool jacket over silk shantung - chantilly lace overlay skirt

Elisabeth Kley has teamed up with Tabboo! to create an enchanting environment of wall-painting and ceramic fountains at the Gordon Robichaux Gallery in Union Square reminiscent of a Roman Courtyard.

Verdant Green silk Jersey top with African cotton wax print skirt

Black English wool jacket with flower and lace adorned silk shantung skirt

Karen Kilimnik’s French-inspired small paintings and sculptures at 303 Gallery

Indian Kantha quilt made into a Frock coat

Philip Taaffe at Luhring augustine Gallery

Japanese Cotton double-sided coat and dress ensemble made for client

Full Moon Friday the 13

September 13, 2019 in Couture, African/Dutch Wax Prints, dresses, inspiration

It’s that time of year when the weather turns chilly- One day it’s summer and the next day is sweater weather. What to wear? It’s been a busy summer with lots of client work and some projects involving antique dresses. I’ve been making under slips for centuries old dresses so they can be brought back to life. My new ideas are still floating around my head waiting to be brought to life. Here is a glimpse back on what I have been doing . . .

Spring Sale coming soon!

May 08, 2019 in Couture, Couture Studio, Sale Dresses

Please check the Dresses page to view some of the remaining sale items which are still available and feel free to make an appointment to visit the atelier in person by visiting the contact page -

Marrekech Dress - multi cotton dutch wax African Prints

A Garden of Dresses

April 07, 2019 in African/Dutch Wax Prints, Couture Studio, Art

“ Sometimes, with exquisite delicacy, a touch of pink was added to the uniform gray of sea and sky; and at the very bottom of the Harmony in Grey and Pink after Whistler, a tiny moth asleep on the windowpane seemed to lend its wings to the favorite signature of the master from Chelsea.”

á L’Ombre des Jeunnes Filles en Fleurs - Marcel Proust

new Dutch wax print dresses in progress in my studio

visit from my niece, Lucy, wearing pontè knit butterfly sweater

Judith Linhares Flower paintings recently at PPOW Gallery in Chelsea

Happy Spring Everyone!

Working Women's couture

February 17, 2019 in Art, Couture

Artists need clothes too. A few years ago I made this velvet 3 piece suit for Deborah Kass. Here she is at her opening at the Paul Kasmin Gallery following her knockout retrospective at the Andy Warhol Foundation. Her success has only increased. Her OY YO sculpture is now on display at the Brooklyn Museum after gracing the Brooklyn waterfront for 8 months.

3 piece cotton velvet suit - photo by Billy Farrell Agency courtesy of Paul Kasmin Gallery

Happy New Year!

January 01, 2019

In the Pink

December 29, 2018 in Dance, Art Dance Couture

Cecily Campbell in a recreation of Trisha Brown’s performance piece, “Ballet” at BAM October 2018

I puckered stretch lycra/spandex to simulate the original fabric in the bathing suit + tutu Trisha wore in the 70’s when she performed this piece on a soho rooftop

Pink tweed jacket with Ponté knit skirt for client

Ponté knit cardi with appliqué worn with Bamboo knit leotard and lace overlay silk/wool skirt

Magpie Jewelry made from scavenged bits of this and that

Looking back on Summer

October 08, 2018 in Art Dance Couture, Weddings, inspiration, African/Dutch Wax Prints

It was such a busy summer I haven’t really had time to post, so I am just now transitioning into Fall and wrapping up some projects from the months before.

June was wedding month and I made the wedding dress for my beloved niece (and model!)

The wedding was in Cooperstown New York with a beautiful lake as backdrop on a gorgeous late Spring afternoon. Of course everyone danced and celebrated well into the night.

We worked on the dress for a whole year which was a fabulous luxury.

detail of French Lace (sequined beadwork) on wedding dress

Trunk show in May

My trunk show, given by 2 of my dear clients and friends was a big success and a lot of fun.

2 of my new cardigans in ponté knit with appliqués modeled by the 2 hosts

African Dutch wax-print dress with kimono sleeve

New Dance Costumes!!

I was invited to design new costumes for an older Trisha Brown work called “Working Title”. With very little time I used as my starting point fabrics I had already in the studio. After receiving a green light from the 2 artistic directors of the company I felt free to compose the costumes by instinct using as reference everything I learned from working with Trisha and her style of movement and playful spirit.

An Antique Dress

I was asked to work on a dress and revive it as much as possible for inclusion in the beautiful upcoming catalog of Cora Ginsburg

Cora Ginsburg where I worked restoring a dress from the 1800’s

The dress I was asked to restore was a “Fancy dress” most likely worn for a Ball at a private house in England in the 1820’s

I replaced underskirt with tea-dyed silk tafetta, repaired torn net overskirt with silk crepeline and added original silk band to underskirt

In Memoriam

My beloved Father passed away just 10 days after we celebrated his 97 birthday in August. He was able to attend the wedding of his granddaughter and reunite with his 93 year old brother who he hadn’t seen in 20 years. He was my biggest inspiration and fan. A man of boundless heart and imagination. His brother, my uncle passed away just 2 weeks later. we Miss them.

End of Summer Sale on all remaining Dutch Wax Prints

September 01, 2018 in dresses, Couture, Sale Dresses, African/Dutch Wax Prints

I have a few dresses and other items left over from a very busy summer. If you have had your eye on something, now is the time! Please contact me with any questions you may have. These are all one-of-a kind hand-made items.

Bamboo Wax Print - sz 10 - waist 32" bust 38" was $425 - now $275.100% Cotton - machine washable - SOLD — Bamboo Wax Print - sz 10 - waist 32" bust 38" was $425 - now $275.
100% Cotton - machine washable - SOLD

Qipau Dress - size 8 - waist 28" Bust 36" Hip 38" was $475. now $300100% cotton - machine washable - sold — Qipau Dress - size 8 - waist 28" Bust 36" Hip 38" was $475. now $300
100% cotton - machine washable - sold

Butterfly Wrap Dress - sz 8 - 10 - waist up to 34" - Bust 37" was $475 - now $375.100% Cotton - Machine Washable - SOLD — Butterfly Wrap Dress - sz 8 - 10 - waist up to 34" - Bust 37" was $475 - now $375.
100% Cotton - Machine Washable - SOLD

Blue / white Tunic - sz 6 - Bust 34 waist 28 - was $285. now $175.100% Cotton - Machine Washable - sold — Blue / white Tunic - sz 6 - Bust 34 waist 28 - was $285. now $175.
100% Cotton - Machine Washable - sold

Long Yellow/Green Bow Dress - sz 6 - 35" Bust 28" waist - was $675. now $475.100% Cotton - sold — Long Yellow/Green Bow Dress - sz 6 - 35" Bust 28" waist - was $675. now $475.
100% Cotton - sold

VIP Dress - sz 10 waist 34' bust 38" - was $475 now $300.100% Cotton machine washable - SOLD — VIP Dress - sz 10 waist 34' bust 38" - was $475 now $300.
100% Cotton machine washable - SOLD

Kimono Sleeve Dress - sz 6-8 waist 30" bust 34" - was $575 now $375polyester machine washable - sold — Kimono Sleeve Dress - sz 6-8 waist 30" bust 34" - was $575 now $375
polyester machine washable - sold

Spinner Wrap Dress - sz 10 - waist adjustable up to 33" Bust 38" was $475. now $325.100% Cotton machine washable - SOLD — Spinner Wrap Dress - sz 10 - waist adjustable up to 33" Bust 38" was $475. now $325.
100% Cotton machine washable - SOLD

Trunk Show May 23!

May 17, 2018 in Couture, Special Occasion dresses

2 of my dear clients are holding a trunk show for me at a private home. I will have new samples that can be ordered in various sizes and also one-of-a kind pieces for sale. Please contact me for details if you are interested in attending. The hours are 4-7 pm or by appt at my studio beginning on May 24.

Italian Upholstery Linen "Ganesh" skirt - SOLD

Navy silk chiffon blouse and Nave lace skirt - SOLD

Other Laces for skirt

Indian block print cotton wrap dress -SOLD- — Indian block print cotton wrap dress -**SOLD-**

"Paperbag Dress" in cotton with selvage edge trim- SOLD

Wax-print Cotton Raj jacket and linen wrap skirt-SOLD — Wax-print Cotton Raj jacket and linen wrap skirt-**SOLD**

Ponté knit bird cardi over wax-print wrap dress - sold - can be custom ordered

rayon knit drape neckline top and cotton print wrap skirt- 1 skirt SOLD- 3 availabletop sold - can be custom ordered — rayon knit drape neckline top and cotton print wrap skirt- **1 skirt** SOLD- 3 available
top sold - can be custom ordered

I hope you can come!

Stitching Spring

March 25, 2018 in Couture Studio, Art

Winter doesn't want to leave, but Spring won't be deterred. . .the first buds are sprouting and the birds and small animals are celebrating the advent of warmer weather to come. i always love color and it is never lacking in my studio.

Barbara Haskell, my wonderful client, was recently profiled on NY1  speaking about her Grant Wood painting survey currently on view at the Whitney museumshe is wearing a custom red wool pants suit and black silk camisole with lace appliqué — Barbara Haskell, my wonderful client, was recently profiled on NY1 speaking about her Grant Wood painting survey currently on view at the Whitney museum
she is wearing a custom red wool pants suit and black silk camisole with lace appliqué

Barbara wore a dress of mine to the opening of her Grant wood showit is silk Gazar with lace capelet sleeves — Barbara wore a dress of mine to the opening of her Grant wood show
it is silk Gazar with lace capelet sleeves

My husband, Artist Taro Suzuki, in front of Grant Wood's most famous painting - American Gothic — My husband, Artist Taro Suzuki, in front of Grant Wood's most famous painting - *American Gothic*

one of Grant Woods's oddly narrative paintings at the Whitney

Barbara Haskell profiled in the NYTimes — Barbara Haskell profiled in the *NYTimes*

red and blue Dutch Wax  dress in progress — red and blue Dutch Wax dress in progress

blue and fushia Dutch wax Qipau dress — blue and fushia Dutch wax *Qipau* dress

A client brought me some beautiful Irish Tweed that she bought in Ireland in the 60's - there was just enough to make this coat with only tiny scraps left over

For my sister's 60 birthday her husband arranged a surprise dance party and I made her a surprise dress

Happy Spring Everyone!

Celestial Suiting

January 13, 2018 in Couture Studio, Couture

Since the solstice and a very busy November and December I have been ensconced in my atelier meditating and working on new designs. It is always so informative to interact with the array of women who come to my sales and see their reactions to the samples and what they end up going home with. Their needs and desires ultimately influence what I come up with in the coming months. I am happily surprised to see that many of my patterns work on different sizes and shapes of bodies. This is an ever-evolving pursuit- to come up with figure flattering and flexible shapes. I have replenished my stock of Wax-print fabrics and I find it very cheering to have a bit of color around me and to think ahead to warmer weather.

Tailored suit in a silk/wool blend, inspired by Dior

This "Raj" jacket is convertible into different configurations- a simple fitted style or the pull back beribboned version shown here.

wax-print jacket with optional silk tartan bows

a blue version of my "poppy" dress in wax-print cotton is an example of a figure-loving dress

wax-print cotton - with selvage-edge finishing-    size 4  -  12     in various prints -  $475. - $575.   depending on customization — wax-print cotton - with selvage-edge finishing- size 4 - 12 in various prints - $475. - $575. depending on customization

This was a magical December night of the super moon (which I didn't manage to capture) but it seems to be reflected in this taffeta moirè fabric which I made into a Qipau. . .