I am so pleased that this article by Jack Yan, published in his lavish New Zealand magazine, Lucire, has just come out after a year long delay due to covid. It covers quite a bit of my history in his perceptive interview-
Dressing for pleasure
Say goodbye to summer and it’s indolent airs , but not to the concept of dressing for pleasure. Dites Bonjour to mixing and layering prints, textures, colors or whatever you like- make dressing an adventure.
Orange Lampas Brocade coat over cotton print dress
The coat is lined in silk charmeuse and has antique filigree buttons collected in Southern Germany concealing hook and eye closures that fasten the coat - shown here also before buttons were added - coat sz 12 - $750. Dress sz 14 - $375.
A cotton wax-print frock coat can be layered over pants or dresses - to stylish effect - Letters and numbers Ankara print is a traditional African pattern - lined in rayon bemberg - sz 6-8 - $650.
Nothing says VIP better than a dress that actually says vip . . Cotton wax print button front dress with semi-belt tie. sz 6-8 - $550.
We got out of the city for the first time since the Pandemic- Had a lovely weekend visit with old friends at the beach.
Back in the studio. . . .
A full cotton print skirt with a belt and dark top has been my wardrobe choice for bicycling along the Hudson River to and from my studio feeling free as a bird!
Continue to stay safe everyone and dress for pleasure! ❤️
detail of Peony - painted by Eve Vaterlaus
Peonies on Silk
I recently asked longtime friend and collaborator Eve Vaterlaus to paint whatever she liked for me on two pieces of silk.. I chose a heavy weight silk charmeuse with a luxurious hand.
Eve Vaterlaus with the fabric pieces she painted
I knew I wanted to drape the dresses directly on the dress form and on the bias without making a pattern.
It is scary, but exhilarating to make the first cut - I ended up using almost every bit of the fabric.
The dresses modeled by my two favorite models - my nieces. . .
Pink Peonies on pale green satin modeled by Ellison Mellor
Yellow silk Poppies
modeled by Lucy Debernardi
Out Again!
Captured at High Noon Gallery - at show of paintings by Bobbie Oliver - My Starfish dress and matching mask -
Our Mayoral primary is this Tuesday. . .
photo : Lindsay Walt
Show is up through June 27 at High Noon Gallery at 124 Forsyth St. nyc
Almost Summer
It was a busy and productive couple of months. I always love this time of year and especially this year, with covid numbers declining and some activity returning. I was encouraged that people bought lots of dresses at my Spring Sale, which indicates that they see a future in dressing up and going out again.
Sophie in Peacock blue silk draped gown photo: Liz Hafter
I made this dress in 2005 originally as a costume for Trisha Brown to wear in a duet in Lyon, France. We decided on something simpler and I then sold it to a dear client. Some years later this client recommended me to Sophie and her Mom, one of her best friends, to design a Bat mitzvah dress. Now- Sophie is graduating from high school and the friend leant her the gown to wear to her prom. She chose to wear Doc Martins as footwear, (not pictured) which I love!
SALE was the entire month of may, by appointment, at my atelier
The city was gorgeous and provided much inspiration!
I went to the first art shows I had seen in 15 months- Lee Krasner collages at Paul Kasmin Gallery and Terry Winters Paintings and drawings at Matthew Marks Gallery
Spring sale!
May 1 - May 31
460 W. 24 St. 1B NY. NY. 10011
Contact me for more info on how to purchase or to make an appointment to visit my NYC Chelsea Atelier
check below for the $100 section
visit my atelier for more !
Glimpses of Spring
One year into the Pandemic
I have begun to see the seagulls again flying around above the new Moynihan train station on my bike rides to my studio. The other day I was stopped at a light while I and a road crew worker stared up at them, amazed by the beauty of these so-called scavengers.
I have felt like a scavenger too, plumbing my store of fabrics and collecting new ones from far afield (Jaipur India) and close at home in the garment district. I’ve used this time to explore some new paths and let them lead me where they will.
I love these bike rides- I’ve ridden in all weather and even through sleet, though that was not pleasurable, and I’ve fallen on snow patches until I learned that you cannot ride over snow, but some ice is OK. I love seeing the landmarks I pass each day and the shopkeepers opening up their stores and working on the ubiquitous restaurant huts that provide pandemic dining. (Although I have never sat in one) It is sad to see closed and empty storefronts, but there seems to be a real resiliency, at least on the route I take down 9th Ave and up 8th Ave . Lincoln Center is still closed, but plans some outdoor concerts soon, and and the theater district is struggling for sure although eerily, the signs still flash in Times Square.
In my studio, my sanctuary, work goes on -Clients come safely for fittings, (though many of my projects have been understandably delayed to post-pandemic times) and I continue to create.
It’s been a difficult and long winter, but hopefully Spring will bring some hope and solace to the many who are struggling.
Neptune at Columbus Circle
Wax prints from my archives
Patchwork tent dress made from Batik and wax print pieces - sprained wrist from fall in the snow from bicycle
I used a vintage cotton nightgown from the early 1900’s as the pattern for this tent dress. I then used the same pattern to make variations on it.
This dress came from a drawing I had done for a client in 2019 - although for different fabric- I had some of the green stripe linen and was able to find more to complete the dress- amazed that they still had it!
I wanted some light cotton joyful prints looking forward to the time when we will feel light and joyful. These fabrics came from Jaipur, though the colors were not always what I expected. The first was a yellow print. I was strongly attracted to the pattern, but did not realize why until after it arrived and I saw the resemblance to my Grandmother’s Chinoiserie bowls that I had loved so much as a child and still treasure.
And from one of my newer wax print fabrics ordered from Eliebea in Texas
Long Dress made from a single print of Vlisco wax-print fabric which contains stripes of different patterns.
Placing the green stripe panel down the middle of the dress is what made it come together for me- The sides and back are an unbroken length with another piece of green inserted at the bottom of the center back to form a small train. In the picture on right you can see all the different stripes in this pattern.
Please still stay safe, wear masks and social distance- I can’t wait to see you all in a pandemic-controlled future. And do contact me if you’d like to visit in a safe and controlled way with masks and air-circulation at my studio. I am also happy to work long-distance. ❤️ Stay tuned for Spring Sale coming up!
& dresses!
Happy New Year 2021
Virtual travel during time of Covid - collages using images from Chateaus in France including the Chateau Villette a luxury wedding destination -
Bunny Coat! Central Park West - first snow!
Bunny Coat! Fabric painted by Ray Smith - wool Melton - lined in silk satin
Update on August Sale
I’ve enjoyed meeting with clients one-on-one during my sale this month. It’s great to be able to really focus on one person, even though I miss the social interaction of the evening sales. . .There is still time to visit- please contact me through the contact page to make an appointment. Masks worn, of course!
Wax Print Swatch dress - working outside-in
This is the first dress I made (this time around) which began my fascination, or re-infatuation, with African wax-print fabrics. I first encountered these fabrics in Paris sometime in the 1980’s in one of the fabric shops at the base of Sacrè -Cœur. I hadn’t really thought about them for a while, when a few years ago I was given a salesmans’ swatch book from AK Fabrics, one of my favorite fabric stores. This was comprised of square pieces of various sizes. One day I decided to open it up and I just began to pin each one onto a dress form in the order that they came in. It was entirely serendipitous, and became the dress you see here. Each side is so different, I wanted to show them all and the pieced-together patchwork, born of necessity. Underneath it all I added a structure of a cotton dress with boned bodice and horsehair hem skirt. Though this dress has been sold, you can view other dresses for sale here.
August sale!
I will be having a sale for the entire month of August. Usually I would hold a sale in May and part of the fun is social- trying on dresses in the company of other women, while chatting and having a glass of wine. . .
This year is obviously different, so I will be seeing people individually, by appointment or in small family units of 2. . . I’ve been working hard and have lots of new items as well as older ones very enticingly priced! Come have a look, or a peek online. Please reach out to me with any questions-
Stay safe, healthy, and hope to see you!.
A surreal moment in time
We are living in a time that feels both alien and familiar. It is a time where we have the opportunity to make change and reconsider the way we live with our planet and each other. We will have and have had much pain and loss, but we can grow and we can learn. Searching for beauty and working on problems is what keeps me going - I would love to share a bit of my process these past few months. . .
This is the way my studio looked in early March I took the black silk blouse home to work on as I felt I was becoming ill and may not be back in a while. . .
Luckily I had just ordered a new foot pedal for my only sewing machine at my home.
silk tulip scarf Hand-painted by Eve Vaterlaus, Red cotton gauze dress, black chiffon blouse, cotton quilted Kantha coat
1st dress I made at home with no dress form, no cutting table or pattern- I used 2 interlocking squares and added straps and a cross piece in the back
My old singer sewing machine- the first thing I ever bought with money I earned from babysitting..
Dress can be pulled up with 2 loops and buttons to make a shorter length
2nd Dress made from geometric shapes- 2 interlocking squares - it also buttons to shorter length and has generous pockets
I ordered some fabric from a business I found online- Elliebea - actually, they advertised to me on instagram, and I was very happy after an initial disappointing order from the wholesaler I usually use in New York , because new fabric shipments had stopped due to coronavirus and their selection was very limited.
Vlisco wax prints- the Twi Proverb says “Dua Kur gye enum a obu” “A tree alone cannot stand the wind” meaning there is strength in unity.
Meanwhile- a darling client gave me an order for 2 “house dresses” that she could wear and feel wonderful in - in confinement. . .
I was able to work with her long distance and some back and forth with drawing and swatching from wonderful BandJ fabrics.
Of course the whole time I have been making masks and filling orders. . . .
Next came bicycling down 60 blocks to my studio and carrying lots of supplies back and forth between home and studio. I quickly found that using our dining table for cutting fabric was causing great pain to my back. .
dress I made at home and later revised paired with coat from studio
I began a routine of bringing fabric downtown that I had washed at home and cutting the patterns at my studio and then sewing at home-
Here I am in my “Citibike” dress that I made for cycling ( minor bike scape on shin.) . .waiting for my blue Bell bike helmet
Print from Elliebea fabrics - this is my very popular Poppy dress named after Clare McCardell’s Popover dress, because it is so easy for many people to wear. . .
Client work has haltingly resumed- I am working on several new projects and looking ahead with intensified focus as we do not know what the future will bring.
This post is dedicated to my dear brother, John Thomas Cannon Jr. March 4, 1957 - April 10, 2020
A visit to my studio
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.♥️
Stay Safe !
Life in the time of social distancing
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!
Draped silk 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.
Winter Sale !
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
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
Draped cotton wax -print dress
Philip Taaffe at Luhring augustine Gallery
Japanese Cotton double-sided coat and dress ensemble made for client
Full Moon Friday the 13
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 . . .
