After designing for a client a wall hanging that looked like a mosaic bathing suit, Ireland designed a wearable art mosaic bustier that appeared on the runway of New York City’s Couture Fashion Week. And that started her on the path to WOW.
Named Serpentina, Ireland’s creation combines Fabric, shells, pearls, and mosaics to capture the beauty and sensuality of a mermaid with the movement of a serpent. The wearable art is complete with a headdress, stiletto shell shoes, and an articulated tail. “It took me five months to finish Serpentina—I wanted it to be quite spectacular. The engineering was difficult because the headdress had to be light enough to wear in the choreographed show, and the tail had to move…I was putting on the last piece just before I had to send it to the show!” Lorene exclaimed.
Lorene Ireland has been selected as a finalist in this invitation-only event. Last year, her garments made from sea shells and fine china mosaics was awarded first place in the Kiwi Icon Section with her shell girl Isabella (as pictured in the above video from 2011).