'Sentimental Journey' was inspired by the love story of two teenagers in the late sixties. I found a manila envelope which contained a series of love letters, poems, and Polaroids back and forth from a young couple during the Vietnam War. Christina, "Chris", was in high school in California, while her sweetheart Mike was overseas. I was able to print yardage of prints I developed from their drawings, letters, and cards. The collection features some classic 1960s silhouettes, complimented by embroidery, custom prints, and kitschy elements that explore what it meant to be a teenager in the Vietnam War era.
Look 1:
*Peasant Blouse in 'Hot Rod', a print I developed from illustrations Mike had done on receipt slips
*Vinyl skirt with Faux denim details
Look 2:
*Yellow swing coat made of soft vinyl, with U.S. Vietnam uniform patches
*Cotton Velveteen shift dress with on seam pockets
Look 3:
*Army jacket with Vietnam-era patches, and custom printed appliques.
Back patch: Caricature of Mike with "Chris" in though bubble.
Side arm patch: Inscription from the back of Mike's senior portrait, "To Chris, In peacetime or in wartime/ Remember this above all/ I'll love you in the Winter/ Summer, Spring, and Fall. Love, Mike"
Back neck embroidery: The closing to the last letter Mike wrote Christine before leaving for the war, "With all my love, I cherish you"
*Striped crop turtleneck
Back patch: Caricature of Mike with "Chris" in though bubble.
Side arm patch: Inscription from the back of Mike's senior portrait, "To Chris, In peacetime or in wartime/ Remember this above all/ I'll love you in the Winter/ Summer, Spring, and Fall. Love, Mike"
Back neck embroidery: The closing to the last letter Mike wrote Christine before leaving for the war, "With all my love, I cherish you"
*Striped crop turtleneck
*Faux suede skirt with decorative zipper
Look 4:
*Crop ringer top w/ patch
*Knit bell bottoms
