I chose kimono as a vehicle because it is form and functionality. Kimono – elegant, yet historically common in Japanese culture. Kimono, in this series are approximately 35″x45″. Designs flow from front to back with the Sakizome dyed woven silk and cotton. As in dressing with kimono, these kimono are a series of steps. In most, sleeves and bodices, woven separately, combine black bombyx silk with copper wire. Collar pieces are woven copper mimicking the fabric’s weave pattern. Epaulets are copper plates, chemically patinaed using acid patinas, then folded and glazed six times with lacquer. Some are hand beaded using Czech glass beads. Although preferably installation pieces, the copper attachment rods were designed to accommodate removal of the kimono.