Bonnie Glass
Versatility: From a night at the Opera
to a
jaunt to Loblaws.
There was a Bonnie Glass sighting in Georgetown the other
night. A young woman caught everyone’s eye at a charity gathering. It was
her stunning jacket – a collage of golds, oranges and blues with denim
patches and an intriguing corded fringe. And she was wearing it with jeans!
"Take us to your leader," we begged.
Our
quest for unique custom-made creations brings us to the Studio Mélange in
the hamlet of Glen Williams (located in the yellow Mill building of the
Williams Mill artisans complex). The building was a sawmill in the 1850s,
and was owned and operated by Charles Williams. Bonnie Glass has been the
artist-in-residence at Studio Mélange for four years. She is the designer
and creator of one-of-a-kind couture garments that she calls wearable art.
After working alone for many years Bonnie is glad to have the company of
other artists in the mill. "Artists tend to be self-critical, so the
encouragement, appreciation, and respect we give each other nourishes
creativity and also gives us a boost when we need it," explains Bonnie. Her
greatest support at the Mill comes from her assistant Val who is a skilled
craftswoman, design consultant, and dear friend.
The Studio is a bright inviting space that combines workroom with showcase. The workroom is filled with huge cutting and design tables, busts, shelf upon shelf of fabrics, sewing machines, works-in-progress, and a most intriguing ironing board -an old medical examining table. On this day we see a mother-of-the-groom ensemble nearing completion. It is an unusual, rich study in grey. The word mélange is the French word for blending, Bonnie noticed it on a package of pancake mix one morning and realized the word perfectly describes her work. She uses a mixture of fabrics and trims that blend colours, textures and lines. Bonnie’s medium is fabric: "Fabrics from past and present, from far and near, natural and synthetic, heavy and light, warm and cool. With these fabrics I create one-of-a-kind garments". Her favourite is shot silk which creates abundant and unusual light in a piece. Her message is to bring joy to both wearer and observer.
Brilliantly coloured and impeccably made coats and jackets
hang on display in the showcase area. The first-time visitor invariably
asks, "Where would I wear this?" Bonnie’s response: "Loblaws!" After a
thoughtful silence and maybe a giggle, the visitor learns just how
practical, comfortable and functional these garments are. The try-on is the
clincher.
It is
clear that Bonnie Glass was born to create designs, and that she is very
gifted. Genetic influence has been combined with a journey of hard work.
Throughout her life Bonnie has had the strong and faithful support of her
family. Her Dutch mother was a fabulous seamstress who sewed for her family
and instructed her daughter. Bonnie practiced by making custom clothes for
her dolls.
(This past summer while on vacation, Bonnie designed an outfit
for a replica antique porcelain doll. The poor thing had been waiting
fifteen years. Bonnie quips that the shoemaker’s kids have no shoes either.)
While reading the Bronte sisters and Austen classics, Bonnie was visualizing
the clothes worn by the characters. In high school she was the first to wear
a midi dress and she had made it herself.
Frustrated with retail store clothing, Bonnie started honing her skills through courses in tailoring, art, drawing and custom embroidery. She pursued these while still a young mother working in the home cleaning industry. When the College design program she had always wanted to take was eliminated, Bonnie knew that if she was going to do design work, she would have to strike out on her own. The moment of decision came when she couldn’t find a comfortable, colourful winter coat. An article in Threads magazine inspired her to make her own - the first Bonnie Glass - and she’s never looked back. Her first coat (a denim, tapestry and velvet design) became a real conversation piece, as have most of her creations. Yes, the name Bonnie Glass is on the street and rumour has it, that it’s in airports as well!
So who
is wearing these colourful one-of-a-kind pieces? Bonnie explains, "My works
are for real people in real life. As this art is worn, I believe it must be
practical, comfortable and functional.
Because of
the personal nature of my art, I develop wonderful relationships with my
clients. They tend to be women who have reached the stage in their lives
when they know who they are and what they want, and they are not afraid to
let the world see that." Her clients are as diverse as her designs:
theatre-goers, ambassadors, musicians, teachers, entrepreneurs, housewives
or grandmothers. "The common thread that all these women share," says Bonnie
"is a passion for life and a love of art." They may have significant
disposable income or may shop by the lay-away plan for a well-deserved ‘gift
for myself’. They are prepared to make a long-term investment. Bonnie knows
they will be thrilled with their purchase. To give you an idea of pricing,
jackets are typically in the $850 to $950. range, and long coats
approximately $1500.
Gentlemen,
take note: you have not been left out. Bonnie Glass makes wonderful
one-of-a-kind vests and bow ties. In wearing these with a tuxedo, you may be
spared the discomfort of a cummerbund. Bonnie also gives each of these
colourful keepsakes its own unique name.
Bonnie
Glass is as delightful, original and fun as her own creations. She loves to
connect with her clients, and she gives them the very best of her talent and
energy. You can meet Bonnie and see a selection of her current offerings at
the Christmas One-of-a-Kind show (November 27th through December 1st at the
National Trade Centre). Alternatively, you can visit Studio Mélange any
Friday or Saturday from noon to 5 pm, (other times by appointment only). You
can also view Bonnie Glasses creations at the Williams Mill spring and fall
fashion shows, or sign up for her mailing list.
Read about Bonnie's
latest fashion show
Bonnie Glass - Williams Mill
Tel. 905.873.7366
Fax 905.873.3054
www.bonnieglass.com