On First Friday, Indianapolis local fashion magazine Pattern in conjunction with AIGA, the professional organization for design, opened The Bindery, a Pop-Up co-working space for fashion design at The Harrison Center for the Arts. From First Friday August to First Friday September, there will be a fully functional fashion design studio available free for any Indianapolis creative to use. I moved to Indianapolis in 1982, and this is the most ambitious fashion project this city has ever seen.
It's a call to action for our design community and depending how the community responds to this opportunity, may be the first baby step toward having a local fashion incubator. They didn't have to tell me twice! I cleared the decks and organized the stash. Although, as a fashion artist and upcycler, I exist on the fringes of fashion, the possibility of building a local fashion industry matters very much to me. Local business makes sustainable economies and empowers all of us. In the very least, I will have fun with doing my part in improving local culture and business and make swell new friends in the process.
It may sound like a hassle to pack up my work and commute to a new workspace, but the possibilities are truly unlimited. I visited the space to acclimate myself to the equipment and resources today. One of my projects now is to make vintage clothing and lingerie relevant for these modern times. It seems like this space is perfectly appointed for my needs. This Victorian s-curve torso could be just the thing for draping beautiful bustles. I have been to The Bindery promised land and am pleased.I am going to savor the opportunity to participate in the community. The finale of the project on First Friday September 6th is a Pop-Up Shop of our products and a prime opportunity to discuss works with the public.
Watch for frequent updates as this opportunity unfolds. We're making business history in Indianapolis and creating a better economic future. This is an exciting story to tell.
