Meet Aja!
“Fashion is something I’ve wanted to do since I was a little kid. I would steal my mom’s fashion magazines and stay up late reading them!”
-Aja (@illusions_couture)
Can you describe your process for selecting Goodwill items for this piece?
Originally, I had a completely different idea for what I was going to do this month. Things changed when I decided to explore the outlet bins where I found a stunning curtain set. I had been planning on creating a dress made out of curtains at some point and had already sketched the idea out. I wanted to do it for quite some time but I never found curtains that I liked enough… until I saw these and they were perfect!
Explain your process in editing / altering items.
There were three layers to the curtain. Two small panels with a floral design and one large panel which was a solid light blue color. Then there was the decorative curtain heading which was ruched with fringe-like embellishments and beading.
I began by cutting and separating all four parts of the curtain. I used the top of the curtain to make the front part of the skirt and the long solid color panel to make the back of the skirt, which was long enough to make a train.
Then I used the two floral panels to make the top of the garment.
What was your inspiration for the finished piece?
When creating the garment I wanted to make something that was very flowy and goddess-like, since I knew it would pair well with our photography location, The Greensboro Arboretum. I have always loved the otherworldly aesthetic.
“At the end of the day, you have to wear (and do!) what makes you happy!” -Aja Buffaloe
Photography by Oscar Sanchez-Martinez.