Ashley Sanders and Judiann Echezabal are presenting their hand crafted moieties united around their love of exquisite materials and timeless pieces. Both artists were influenced by their strong familial bonds and were inspired to create at early ages. Their pieces offer insight into exceptional artistry demonstrating mastery in construction of eternal displays of design. Focused on revitalizing vintage and antique materials, Ashley’s collection forges new items that can continue to be passed down for generations. The process of deconstructing handmade textiles informs her design practice. They often serve a function and invoke feelings of the familiar comforts of home.
Judiann’s collection reflects her dedication to construction of timeless garments using various textures to create classic forms with unique style. Along with Ashley, Judiann’s pieces are based on classic silhouettes found in fashion and architecture. Her pieces instill glamor and sophistication ensnared with one of a kind craftsmanship. Both artists have come together to influence each other’s work and inspire pieces that have been shown on the national and international stage. Their rare dedication to hand crafting bespoke garments, accessories, and home decor has led to a fusion of styles that compliment each other’s work.
About the artists:
Springfield, Georgia based fiber craftsperson, Ashley Sanders, has refined her skills at needlecraft practices over the last 7 years. Originally a music major at Georgia Southern University, she transitioned from aural arts to visual by connecting with handicraft, specifically crochet. Expanding her knowledge at Savannah College of Art and Design, she gained a Master of Arts in Fibers. Her work involves creating one-of-a-kind vintage styled pieces for the body and the home. Ashley's studies in this field have led her to a position with Judiann Echezabal's Fashion Design Studios where she enjoys assisting in the construction of formal wear, embellishing garments with jewelry, and teaching sewing classes. Her work has been featured in multiple exhibitions and runway shows including New York Fashion Week with Runway7 and upcoming “Tectonics of Craft: Reclaiming the Timeless” at Gallery2424 in Savannah, Georgia. She has also been interviewed by VoyageATL Magazine and featured in Effingham Magazine.
Growing up amidst the serene landscapes of Connecticut, Judiann Echezabal’s fascination with fashion blossomed under the influence of her family’s rich tradition of creativity. At the age of seven, she eagerly embraced the art of sewing, finding inspiration in the gentle guidance of her family members, who were artisans and makers. Judiann’s journey into fashion took a decisive turn after graduating from Fashion Design school. Armed with a diploma and a heart brimming with ambition, she set out to translate her passion into a tangible reality. Establishing her first atelier at age 21, she embarked on a daring adventure, weaving threads of dreams and determination into every garment she crafted. Guided by the ethos instilled in her by her family, Judiann’s atelier soon became a sanctuary of creativity, where her boundless imagination found expression in the delicate interplay of fabrics and textures. Her designs, infused with elegance and sophistication, bore testament to her unwavering commitment to her craft. But Judiann’s journey was not one of solitary pursuit. Recognizing the importance of nurturing the next generation of designers, she began a parallel career as a professor at Parsons School of Design in New York City. Here, she imparted technical knowledge and the invaluable lessons she had learned along her path to success, inspiring her students to reach for the stars in the fashion world. As the years unfolded, Judiann’s designs garnered acclaim on both the national and international stage. Her collections, characterized by their timeless beauty and impeccable craftsmanship, graced the runways of prestigious events, captivating audiences with sheer splendor. Today, Judiann’s atelier stands as a beacon of creativity and innovation in the heart of the fashion world. Her journey, marked by perseverance and passion, serves as an inspiration to aspiring designers everywhere, reminding them that with dedication and determination, even the loftiest of dreams can be transformed into reality.
Friday, June 7, 4-8pm: Opening Reception
Thursday, June 6 - Saturday, June 7, 1-4pm: Open Hours
Image caption: Ashley Sanders and Judiann Echezabal, Tectonics of Craft: Reclaiming the Timeless, 2024 (Photographers: Erich Perez and Meridith Bearden Lee, Model: Clair Nease)