Roots. Reworn
A conversation in different movements from roots, to lands travelled, to what was inherited, to where you belong now, and back to the garment itself.
On Roots & Heritage
What's a memory - a smell, a sound, a fabric, a food - that instantly takes you back to your family's origin?
When I was younger, I worked at the bank where my mom did. I sat in a cubicle stuffing statements into envelopes. Even if I couldn't see her, I never had to wonder where my mom was; I could hear her gold bangles clinking as she flitted around the office. The sound reminded me that she was always there, and I know it's one I will listen for even when she is not.
Is there a textile, garment, or piece of clothing from your heritage that has stayed with you? What does it mean to you?
I have embroidered shawls that belonged to my maternal grandmother. Even though she passed when I was very young, wearing them helps me feel connected to her and all the women in my mom's family. I see it as a way to carry the stories and traditions of people and places that are part of me, yet I may have never met or seen.
On Lands Travelled
How many places have you called “home” in your life? What did each one teach you?
I have called five places "home" in my life, and I think NYC was the only place for which it felt true.
In upstate New York, where I was born, I learned how important community and friendship are by watching my parents form life-long friendships.
In Arizona, I learned that people are afraid of what they don't understand.
In NYC, I learned that diversity in every aspect makes things better, the importance of female friendships and that I have my own style and an eye for photography.
In LA, where I only lived for 6 months, I learned that entitlement makes people do ugly things and how nice it is to let someone else take the lead.
In Barcelona, I learned that I could do hard things, like move to a different country alone, learn a new language, advocate for my own health and build a life from the ground up. I also learned to allow myself to be angry.
On Generational Inheritance
Is there a tension between what was inherited and what you've chosen for yourself?
I am never-married woman with no children in her mid-40s who has been living away from home for 25 years. Nothing I've chosen for myself aligns with the inherited expectations of my culture. And yet I don't feel a tension. My family never made me feel that my choices were wrong, and I am happy with the way my life has unfolded.
On Belonging
What does“belonging” mean to you - is it a place, a people, a feeling?
It's the feeling you have around the people who make you feel seen.
On INDOI
When you put on the INDOI piece for this shoot, what did it feel like on your body - did it evoke anything?
I own many INDOI pieces, and just like when I wear those, putting on the piece for the shoot was a special moment. The feel of the fabric, the tiny details, the beautiful shape; everything about the dress made me feel confident and regal. I loved knowing the story behind the piece, the person who designed and made it and that it was chosen especially for me.
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