Coup D’état is pleased to present “Hand Me Downs” by Majesty Hope, an extensive fiber showcase exploring the life cycle of clothing as a resource for community, memory + importance of craftsmanship. Opening to the public on Sunday, September 13th at 1 pm.
Majesty Hope Bland is a designer and fiber artist hailing from Detroit, MI that reimagines traditional design methods and caters to the individuals that desire to be set apart.
Her approach to sustainability starts with a main root of the problem; how we consume clothing. With an emphasis on introducing this generation to tailoring and proper garment care, her mission is to educate the next generation of the power we have to make effective change on our environment and mend people’s relationships with clothing. Her work explores developing new fabrications through traditional weaving and fiber manipulation techniques from discarded and recycled material, all to contribute to a more circular economy. Creating garments and installations using bold color and texture to spark joy and amplify the beauty that already exists in the world.
Passing down clothing out of need and resources is not a new concept. Families and communities have been swapping clothing for generations and as they are passed down they begin to take on a new life. Clothing holds intimate memories that transcend across different communities and bring people together.
“Growing up, the anticipation of waiting for a cousin to grow out of a garment was sometimes the closest thing to shopping we had. Or waiting for grandma to pass down coveted jewelry to carry on legacy and keep a loved one close. Each time a garment is passed down a memory is added, a bond between previous owners is formed and a piece of clothing continues to serve its purpose. It builds and strengthens our community by allowing us access to give and be of service to others while also using the resources around us. The simplest thing that we can do is to be of service to others in any way that we can. Whether it be a physical resource, sharing time, or emotional support, leaning on community is a survival tactic that will forever be sustained by the power of the unification of people and we need that now more than ever.” — Majesty Hope
Q: How do you stay inspired?
A: "I stay inspired by staying curious and learning new methods to advance my craft. Theres so many different ways and techniques for creating textiles and the trail and error process helps find the new ways to express myself. I love experimenting."
Q: Is fashion a part of you?
A: "Fashion will always be a first love of mine and I’ll always have an eye for it. I think my journey has allowed me to see fashion through so many lenses that it’s all that I think about sometimes. Not just from a personal style and dress up way but everything in-between. "
Q: As a multi-hyphenate creative, what is your favorite medium to work with?
A: "Right now I love yarn and any shiny jacquard fabric. Specifically eyelash yarn, it creates such a fun texture when weaving that adds depth to whatever I’m creating"
Q: If you could have lunch with one artist — alive or deceased — who would that be?
A: "I would have lunch with Bob Mackie he’s always been one of my favorite designers and I love how bold and glamorous he is. I would love to hear tales of Cher and Tina Turner and the characters that he helped bring to life during that time."
Q: What is something you wish outsiders understood about Detroit, if anything?
A: I wish outsiders understood that Detroit has a magical life, energy and culture of its own.
Q: Describe your own style in three words.
A: Chic, effortless, bold
