Cari Borja’s Collection Exhibit & Reception

[highlight_text] Borja’s “wearable sculptures” only further emulate her belief in being comfortable in one’s own skin. [/highlight_text]

Berkeley-based couture designer Cari Borja, also known as the “clothesmaker,” recently presented part II of her Summer and Fall 2011 collection via a pop-up installation and reception at The Gardener in Berkeley in late August.

Borja’s culinary influences are evident in the colors, cuts, silhouettes, layering and overall draping of her garments. The techniques and processes she learned while attending her prep-cook internship at Chez Panisse Restaurant and Café under Chef Cal Peternell are echoed in her line. From veggies such as asparagus, artichokes, carrots, beets and cauliflower to the crustaceans at the bottom of the sea, Borja incorporates the shapes and colors from nature into her line.

Fabrics chosen to create an organic feel with asymmetric and elegantly flowing pieces executed were novelty wovens, her signature fleece, satins and brocades. These fabrics were incorporated into the 13-look collection.

Also apparent in her designs is her recent trip to the Langhe region in Italy where she took wine classes on Italy’s famed Barolo. During her trip she discussed the correlations between wine and fabrics with Rajat Parr and Michael Mina of RN74, Andrew Browne and her husband, Lloyd Bernberg. Borja’s “wearable sculptures” only further emulate her belief in being comfortable in one’s own skin.