The Monyan Forevermore Collection is composed of 5 handbags, each individually unique in style, all of which are composed of fabric belonging to my client's grandmother. This collection was designed to recreate Monyan's avante garde style she eloquently and effortlessly modeled in her lifetime. Through photographs and long conversations with my client, she helped create an image for me of Monyan's character, that of which I personified in handbags with the use of her dresses, clothing Monyan made for her daughter, curtains and loose fabrics she owned. Each handbag evokes a different look at Monyan's colorful and original style. With this, I give you, "Monyan Forevermore."
This extraordinary handbag is based on a love story between Honora and Frank Wargo. While in Loraine, Ohio, the two met, found themselves in love, married and spent a lifetime together. It is thought that Frank learned of this lovely word "Monyan" (meaning 'my all') from a local of Lorain. From then on he referred to Honora, his beloved, as Monyan forevermore. The gorgeous rose, composed of lace from one of Monyan's dresses, is symbolic of love. This particular handbag, which was the first of five I designed, was an absolute joy to create, from the beginning of production, to the building of the piece, right down to the final stitching on of the vintage buttons.
The back side of the bag displays my signature cascade of fabric. The retro geometric print on the top sides of the handbag (silvery gray) is from the skirt that Monyan wore to her daughter's wedding (my client's mother). The pink and white retro daisy print was taken from a jumper that Monyan made for my clients mother. The black and white floral print, also seen on the large rose, was a flouncy ruffle on a dress.Click on any of the images for a larger view.
The beauty of the Carpet Bag is that no matter what the fabric, the uniqueness of each textile shines through and reveals their beauty. With the exception of a few small pieces, every piece of fabric used on this bag belonged to Monyan.
The Hungarian print fabric I used for the lining is also drawn from Monyan's wonderful eclectic collection of fabrics.
"Monyan" ~ it means "my all." This eloquent term comes from the Michif language, which is a mixed language based on Cree. Cree is part of the Native American Algonquian language and also consists of the French language, that of which was spoken along the Canadian border and throughout the north central United States.
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