A brief biography of Liz Collins, her fashion, her life, and her influences.
Liz Collins grew up in Virginia and learned to sew, paint, and draw at an early age.Encouraged by her family, she studied fashion design and textiles at the prestigious, Rhode Island School of Design.
Her first big break came soon after, when MAO, a New York public relations firm that represents fashion designers, became interested in her work.Another break followed when she participated in a runway show in Bryant Park in New York City, and sold $20,000 worth of clothing in two days.Soon after, she moved her base to New York City and has continued to expand her business.
Liz Collins constructs her garments using a process she called "knit-grafting," fusing together layers of knitted fabric with loose overhand, suture-like stitches.Her signature designs include a slim, white dress with holes in it, their edges embroidered with bright, red yarn, the loose yarn ends left hanging; a dress with an uneven hemline and a train that looks like it is in shreds; and an outfit topped by an open coat exposing skin from neck to navel.
Her fashion has been called "wearable art."She has experimented with a variety of materials: reflective safety yarn (which she called a futuristic sequin effect,) strategic shrinking methods, digitally-imaged and printed fabrics, crocheted lace, leather, and fur.Her designs have a sensual, classic, albeit funky style.She is known for her spider-webbed, fringed knit sweaters sometimes enhanced with Swavorski crystals, ribbons, or appliqués.
Her latest collection includes a chubby sweater made from recycled salvage, a barely-there fringed bikini, and vintage, form-fitting, long, knit dresses with sensual, fringed shawls.
Often referred to as neo-punk, organic, and gothic, Liz Collins was influenced by the punk, Gothic styles popular during her 1980s teenage years.
Ms. Collins has received the Gen Art fashion award for her design work.Her work has been featured in national and international magazines including Time and The New Yorker.Her fashion has caught the eye of famous women.Mariah Carey, Cate Capshaw, and Emma Thompson are all collectors.
Expanding into the home furnishing market, Ms. Collins opened her signature boutique in Manhattan in 2003.Her fashion is also featured at Barney's in New York and in select boutiques throughout the United States and Europe.
Liz Collins lives in Brooklyn and currently teaches a textile workshop for New York's Cooper Hewitt Museum.
