Handwoven Designer Coat For The Modern Women

I have always been a firm believer that fashion is not meant to be worn one way and I have been an ambassador for that with this blog. It is about the diversity of fashion - a place for everyone. This includes those who like to spend as little as possible on fashion and those that like to invest.

The ultimate goal is to empower women to feel their best and most importantly, be their true unique selves. Today is one of those days where I talk about a beautiful investment piece. One that is for those of you who value hand-made as well as the timeless aspect in your fashion. In clothing, you can have for a lifetime; In clothing that you can call your “Forever Pieces”.

This special handwoven coat is designed and made by Karen Gelbard, who is the brain behind The Oregon Weaver. While it is not my usual style, there was something special about it. When I wore it, it draped so beautifully off of my body. It had freedom to it. It was not bounded by complicated designs but became an extension of my body, in turn becoming an extension of the world around me. It really became a part of me and I became a part of it.

But not only that, I felt new in it. I felt refreshed and it felt contemporary. I had found a coat to represent modern women like me and I was so happy. I had a chance to talk with the designer and everything she said about her intention behind the coat, was exactly how I felt about it. She said “ I wanted a garment design that focused on the drape of the fabric…The designs are simple and uncluttered. The scarves resemble the leaves that dance on the wind and have my signature bound edge that suggests water.”

When she said that, I intently realized the biggest reason why I fell in love with it. It reminded me of the water and the ocean I used to spend my time near as a child. The colors, the ocean breeze, the nostalgia and the comfort of it all. This coat really touched all my senses and made me remember those beautiful moments as a child. The fabric is incredibly resilient and is woven with care and multiple kinds of thread making it last generations to come. If you look really closely, you can also see that it incorporates many colors to create a brilliant turquoise hue which makes it easier for pairing and styling.

This coat is pricy. But if you think about how Karen spends days and nights woven it, and think about how much wear you are going to get out of it, I believe the price is justified. After all, it is an impeccable build with stunning color and a beautiful design. Most importantly the way it makes you feel the moment you put it on.

Karen’s fabrics were used in the original costumes designed by Susan Lilly for a production of Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible,” performed in Portland, Oregon in 2001. Karen markets her work at juried art fairs and galleries across the country. When not traveling to shows, she can be found in her studio in Pacific City, Oregon. So, if you would appreciate hand-waven high quality jacket as such, you shall consider check out her work at her website or even more special - make a custom one!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by The Oregon Weaver. All thoughts and opinions are my own.