“Patent Paradise”, expands upon ideas from the 1880s-1900s Patent Era. During this time Levi Strauss and Co had patented riveted waist overalls. In response, competing workwear manufacturers invented fascinating patents to contest the durability of those rivets. At this time only laborers wore denim, and longevity was the selling point. Many of these rival inventions, to my surprise, struck the elegant balance between adornment and functionality, two key themes within this collection. The fabrics celebrate the ever-changing life of a garment. Upcycling post-consumer denim incorporates worn stories with each imperfection. Thrashed painter’s drop cloths are immortalized as wonderfully reconfigured abstract wearable paintings. By incorporating traditional tailoring techniques with 100-year-old sewing machines, I strive to revive long-forgotten craftsmanship and quality of design within each piece.