ReFab’s Cover and Feature with YOU Magazine: Avant Garde Designer Infuses Fashion with Art There’s a vibe to fashion that captivates us—something that stirs our souls as phrases like retro ethnic chic or vintage couture are uttered. Clothing as wearable art is intriguing, like how a story unfolds when a garment hits each curve just right. And in Dawn Patel’s case, nothing could speak louder than the very ethos of her Door County business Brilliant Stranger, a place where inspired fashion designs collide with artful recycling. “I have always loved fashion and clothing…and I also love to paint, create and reinvent,” said Patel, 43. “I actually started out with an art degree and taught college-level as well as elementary art classes in Bayfield County.” When she was between jobs, Patel sought a career to satisfy her lust for art. She worked in a gallery in the Bayfield area of Northern Wisconsin, and when the space became available to own, she was given first dibs. “I honestly fell into being a first-time shop owner without even planning it,” she confessed. “My business, Inspire, was opened in 2003. After three years or so, I sold the business to move to this area; family is what pulled me in this direction.” Inspire was devoted to all things creative—clothing, jewelry, unusual toys, music and books. The business was a tremendous success, but the artist in Patel still wanted to create with her own hands. So, with a whirlwind of used garment pieces, she cut, chopped, stitched and embellished. She picked up a few sewing basics from her master seamstress mother but brought new life to each technique. Her seams appeared more like drawings on the fabric, and she soon recognized her love of clothing refabrication—making quality garments into entirely new, entirely original pieces. This realization inspired her breakthrough line ReFab, which provides some of Brilliant Stranger’s most unexpected pieces. “I’ve owned Brilliant Stranger for around three summers now, and we feature a combination of my ReFab recycled and refurbished line as well as handmade garments from a variety of artists,” she said. “I actually fell into ReFab when I started selling pieces online …and this is the first year I have had an income all throughout winter, since the shop is only open from May to October.” CONTINUE READING HERE

ReFab’s Cover and Feature with YOU Magazine:

Avant Garde Designer Infuses Fashion with Art

There’s a vibe to fashion that captivates us—something that stirs our souls as phrases like retro ethnic chic or vintage couture are uttered.

Clothing as wearable art is intriguing, like how a story unfolds when a garment hits each curve just right. And in Dawn Patel’s case, nothing could speak louder than the very ethos of her Door County business Brilliant Stranger, a place where inspired fashion designs collide with artful recycling.

“I have always loved fashion and clothing…and I also love to paint, create and reinvent,” said Patel, 43. “I actually started out with an art degree and taught college-level as well as elementary art classes in Bayfield County.”

When she was between jobs, Patel sought a career to satisfy her lust for art. She worked in a gallery in the Bayfield area of Northern Wisconsin, and when the space became available to own, she was given first dibs.

“I honestly fell into being a first-time shop owner without even planning it,” she confessed. “My business, Inspire, was opened in 2003. After three years or so, I sold the business to move to this area; family is what pulled me in this direction.”

Inspire was devoted to all things creative—clothing, jewelry, unusual toys, music and books. The business was a tremendous success, but the artist in Patel still wanted to create with her own hands.

So, with a whirlwind of used garment pieces, she cut, chopped, stitched and embellished. She picked up a few sewing basics from her master seamstress mother but brought new life to each technique. Her seams appeared more like drawings on the fabric, and she soon recognized her love of clothing refabrication—making quality garments into entirely new, entirely original pieces. This realization inspired her breakthrough line ReFab, which provides some of Brilliant Stranger’s most unexpected pieces.

“I’ve owned Brilliant Stranger for around three summers now, and we feature a combination of my ReFab recycled and refurbished line as well as handmade garments from a variety of artists,” she said. “I actually fell into ReFab when I started selling pieces online …and this is the first year I have had an income all throughout winter, since the shop is only open from May to October.” CONTINUE READING HERE

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