Biography

Virginia E. Berry, Designer, Maker, Picker

Early Life

Born in rural Minnesota, Berry was an active and creative child. Her grandmother was an avid quilter and whenever she stayed at grandma’s she would play with scrap fabric and make things – clothes for dolls, from scratch stuffed animals, miniature quilts. She also took classes in the fine arts and had paintings displayed in student shows around town and entered into regional and national contests. Informal lessons from grandma, mom and many other mothers in Girl Scouts, taught Berry how to sew, quilt, design patterns, dye, weave, spin yarn…

A photo posted by Virginia (@yazberryfashion) on Nov 28, 2015 at 6:34am PST

Education

While pursuing her Bachelor of Arts Degree at Skidmore College, Berry’s lifetime interest in costumes and ability to sew landed her a job at the Skidmore Theatre Costume shop. Under the tutelage of Patty Pawliczak, Berry honed her designing and pattern drafting skills. She also took a course in textile arts where she learned surface design, decorative embroidery techniques, piece work, advanced weaving and dyeing.  

At Skidmore, Berry designed collections for student fashion shows in 2002 and 2004. Dabbling with sustainable fashion and not even realizing it at the time, in 2002 Berry constructed gowns from recycled black and white photos of people from magazines. In 2004, after having spent a year living and studying in Madrid, Spain, Berry made a collection featuring salvaged leather she had found outside a workshop in Madrid. She also recycled scrap fabric from the costume shop into couture dresses; one, her French model asked to bring home with her to Paris.

YazBerry Launch 2005

Berry graduated Skidmore in 2004 and in May of 2005 began YazBerry Fashion. The name YazBerry is a play on the designer’s surname and offers a fresh, funky, alternative to the expected strawberry/raspberry/blueberry while bringing that juicy, fruity taste to one’s mouth when read. From the start YazBerry has been a mix of handmade, one of a kind, designs by Berry and carefully curated vintage finds.

YazBerry’s early designs were art purses, throw pillows, graphic t-shirts and assorted custom orders. From there the designs focused on purses and ready to wear clothing. In 2009, Berry was invited by The Fashion Reporter virtual Magazine and Fashion Evolution Productions to showcase a selection of her purses at a fashion show featuring pieces from the fall collections of Vivienne Tam, Tibi, MNG Mango, Vera Wang and Rebecca Taylor. Purses from the YazBerry Fashion collection were paired with designs by Vivienne Tam and Tibi.

Artist in Residence

In 2010, Berry wrote a proposal for an artist's studio and retail space in Salem, MA, in the City of Salem's Artists' Row artist in residence program. Berry was among five artist groups selected to have space during the summer and fall. During this time she created an extensive portfolio and expanded her line into jewelry, stationary and decor items.

During her stay on Artists' Row, Berry offered workshops and demonstrations to members of the community. She also produced a fashion show as part of the Ahht for Peeps art event, in which her work was modeled by members of the community, real people as she put it. She invited Artists' Row artists Ellen Hardy, President of the Salem Arts Association, to showcase her hand painted silk scarves and neckties and Dan Anthony, to share his handcrafted leather masks.

Retail Co-op

Back in her hometown of Northfield, MN, Berry showcased her work at The Riverwalk Market Fair during two summer seasons and held a seat on the Leadership Committee. Berry also held a share of a unique retail co-op, The Local Joint, featuring both her handmade designs and a broad selection of vintage accessories and home items. Berry’s knowledge of sourcing and valuing vintage items was nurtured by the many experienced pickers in the co-op, further expanding her interest and expertise in picking.

babyBerry

In 2014 as a result of a handmade pair of leather baby booties Berry gave to a good friend, YazBerry friends, family and followers demanded the launch of babyBerry, designer baby booties and accessories made from new and vintage materials. babyBerry is catalog based; through a personalized consultation, Berry customizes each order for the customer based on the colors, design aesthetic and size desired. She also does custom applique onesies, capes, leggings, winter hats and would love to discuss other visions you may have. She has been known to make baby quilts as heirloom quality gifts too!

Shop for YazBerry

Berry’s chronic wanderlust, sense of adventure, and Canadian husband, have her currently residing in Newfoundland, Canada. She has a home studio and several retailers in the area carry her jewelry. Currently Berry is focusing on jewelry design but is available to discuss bespoke purses and other designs. For photos and retail prices of most of YazBerry’s inventory, please visit the facebook photo albums or contact Berry. She is actively pursuing additional retail opportunities for her handmade work as well as a good retail fit for her vintage items. Please contact Berry to discuss.

YazBerry Fashion is artist designed and made, fashion forward, wearable art jewelry and accessories designed for people that love the art of dressing. She also carries a selection of vintage jewelry, purses, scarves, neckties and clothing. Her work is sustainable in nature as she uses a mixture of recycled, found and new objects. Berry boasts that YazBerry will leave people asking you where you got it!

TO VIEW THE YAZBERRY PRESS KIT CLICK HERE.

PRESS KIT

YAZBERRY FASHION
YazBerry Fashion is the design label of Designer, Maker, Picker, Virginia E. Berry. Raised in Northfield, MN, Berry pursued her BA at Skidmore College where she worked in the costume shop at the theatre under the tutelage of Costume Designer, Patty Pawliczak. Berry participated in several student fashion shows and graduated in 2004 with a double Major in Spanish and Government and Minor in International Affairs. In 2010 Berry had an artist in residence in Salem, MA's Artist's Row program in which she had a retail space and taught workshops. Currently, Berry resides in Newfoundland, Canada where she is launching her line to the Canadian market.

Berry's design work ranges from jewelry and accessories to baby shoes and custom work. Her body of work can best be described as modern vintage; drawing inspiration from classic shapes, patterns and styles but offering a fresh, modern taste. She boasts that YazBerry will leave people asking you where you got it! Berry also offers a carefully curated selection of vintage purses and scarves. Her keen eye for color and volume come together nicely throughout her pieces.

YazBerry Fashion ranges in price from $10 for handmade earrings up to $165 for a sterling silver architectural necklace with semi-precious stones. Berry works with new and recycled textiles, found objects, semi-precious stones, pearls, fur, lace, leather and melds them into must have one of a kind creations. Her handmade and vintage collection is available in her Etsy.com store yazberryfashion.etsy.com,and on her facebook page facebook.com/yazberryfashion by browsing the photo albums. Her work can also be found at art fairs throughout Newfoundland and at many retailers in the province.

Links in order are:
Salem, MA's Artist's Row: http://www.salem.com/pages/salemma_webdocs/artists
YazBerry Fashion on Etsy.com: http://yazberryfashion.etsy.com
YazBerry Fashion on Facebook.com: https://www.facebook.com/yazberryfashion/photos_stream?tab=photos_albums
YazBerry Retail Partners: http://www.yazberry.com/pages/retailers/

CONTACT INFORMATION
Virginia E. Berry, Owner & Designer
shop.yazberry@gmail.com
Website: http://www.yazberry.com
Shop: http://yazberryfashion.etsy.com
Blog: http://yazberry.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/yazberryfashion
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/yazberryfashion
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yazberryfashion
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/yazberryfashion


IMAGES OF WORK
PRESS RELEASES
BIOGRAPHY
ARTIST'S STATEMENT
PRESS MENTIONS - PRINT & INTERNET

The Handcut Leather Lace Process

Geometry in Fabric, 8 Point Star Motif

I always enjoyed geometry class; one of my favorite subjects in math. I suspect it is a result of growing up around quilts. Grandma was nearly always quilting when we were at her house and her walk in closet filled with fabric was a source of intrigue and also a somewhat forbidden zone - it was color coded, sorted, folded: organized.

She did however let us watch her work. It's amazing what you learn without realizing you are being taught or learning at all! I have surprised myself a few times the last couple of years when commissioned to make custom quilts, with my general knowledge and quilting skills. Osmosis ;)

I saw a cute quilt design in a book at JoAnn Fabrics, but didn't want the whole book so I put the theme and variation on a 9-patch to memory, bought some fabric I liked, went home and got to work. I'm currently working on a baby crib quilt.

The 9-patch design I am working on creates an 8 point star; a motif I fell in love with in Spain, when I observed it woven into architectural details throughout the Andalusia region. I asked a friendly merchant about the symbol as I had seen it so many times I began to suspect it had some significance. He told me it was a Moroccan star and a symbol found in Islam. According to Wikipedia:

"The Rub el Hizb (Arabic: ربع الحزب‎) is a symbol, represented as two overlapping squares, which is found on a number of emblems and flags. In Arabic, Rubʻ means "one fourth, quarter", while Hizb means a group or party. Initially, it was used in the Quran, which is divided into 60 Hizb (60 groups of roughly equal length); the symbol determines every quarter of Hizb, while the Hizb is one half of a juz'. The main purpose of this dividing system is to facilitate recitation of the Qur'an. It is also used as a marker for the end of a chapter in Arabic calligraphy.

The Star of Lakshmi is an identical star figure which figures in Hinduism, where it represents Ashtalakshmi, the eight forms, or "kinds of wealth", of the goddess Lakshmi.

An eight-pointed star was used as a symbol of Tartessos, an ancient civilization based in Andalusia. As the region was ruled by Islamic dynasties for eight centuries, this may suggest a possible origin of the Rub el Hizb."

On a tour of some ancient ruins in Andalusia, I asked the guide about the symbol when I saw it framing an open window facing the sky at the top of a dome. He said it was a sort of God's eye symbol. I enjoy learning about symbols and what they represent in different cultures. The star made of two squares has fascinated me since I traveled to Spain all those years ago. I was delighted to see it represented in a 9-patch quilt square and am busy working on a quilt using this block.

Here are some progress pics:
All of the 300 or so squares cut and laid out. The design is a play on light versus dark squares. I used a mix of bought fabric, most of the darks, and fabric from my Grandma's legacy collection, all of the lights.
My progress as of writing this blog is that the top is a little over half way done.

Here is a little snap shot into my artistic obsession with this symbol over the years: A Mandala design I painted on the floor in my store on Artists' Row. With the help of fellow artist and friend, Sara Maurno! It is based on the 8 point star in the center.
Tile work outside of a mosque in Casablanca, Morocco featuring a rounded version of the 8 point star motif. I took this while traveling there during college.
A double play of the 8 point star motif: it is found in the tile work and also in the wooden window grates that are casting a shadow on the floor. Taken in Andalusia, Spain.
A quilt my Grandma helped me design and make based on a photo of an inlaid wood floor in Spain.

Style Ideas: How to Wear an Obi Belt

I can honestly say that obi belts are by far my favorite accessory. Followed by vintage scarves as a close second. I love the versatility they offer with dressing. You can wear them with so many things to give a pop of color or texture to an outfit. They can be used to faux-tailor clothes to fit you perfectly.

Something that I have been pleased and surprised by is how obi belts compliment many body types: I like them to nip in around my waist, which is narrower than my hips and shoulders. They look great on long lanky women around the hips. I also like them on women with rectangular torsos because it creates the illusion of a waist.

Obi belts give you options to change the look of a tunic length shirt or sweater. This is one of my personal signature obi looks. (LOVE IT!). I apologize for the dark images, I am still adjusting to working with the low lighting in my new workspace.












This obi can be found in my store.

I discovered almost accidentally while working in my unheated artist's stall on Artists' Row in Salem, MA, this fall that obi belts look oh so fab topping a classic trench coat. I wore it with this narrower obi in the fall, but am equally as pleased with the funky look the wide obi gives this classic style.












This obi is not yet available in my store, if you love it, send me a note, I would be happy to list it for you.

Because I have broad shoulders and hips and a narrower waist, I tend to prefer looks that nip in at the waist or are well tailored for my silhouette. Obi belts are a quick easy faux-tailoring fix when stuff is just too loose looking. I use them over big, cozy sweaters, fun vintage dresses that are a size or two too big, but the print/look/label was too good to pass up, knit tops that could use a little extra shape.

You name it, I've obi'ed it. Here is a sweater I prefer to wear with an obi. I wanted to show a dress too, but the obi belt I have that looks good with a few of my dresses is MIA for the moment. I am living out of boxes still...things in the house, things in the garage...slowly assembly a life.












Again, this obi belt isn't available in my store yet but I would be happy to list it for you. Just let me know.

I mentioned that obi belts flatter a lot of different body types. Here are several real women, who modeled in my Ahht For Peeps, Wearable Art Fashion Show in Salem, MA this summer. I invited members of the community to model my looks. I took it a step further and encouraged them to pick out the pieces they wanted to model and create a look they felt comfortable wearing. Real people, real fashion.

The first two are what I would describe as lanky women, long and lean with long torsos. One wears the obi with the wide part to the back giving it a low, loose look. The second wears it in front but low, she really makes this apron flavored obi look sassy! Love it.












The model on the left is wearing this obi. The model on the right is wearing an obi not yet available in my store, but if you dig it, let me know and I can list it for you.

These two women have narrow hips and long lean legs. Their torsos are more rectangular in nature, often giving the sense of no waist. Here they both look fabulous in obi belts, which create the illusion of a waist.













The obi on the left is available here. The obi on the right is available here.

P.S. I love taking on custom obi orders. I have a nice selection of authentic antique Japanese kimono obi fabric and a booming stash of vintage neckties. Let me know what you are looking for. I would love to create it for you. berry (at) yazberry (dot) com. I love using recycled materials. Most of my obis are made from either antique Japanese obi fabric, vintage neckties or upholstery samples. I do mix in new materials as well, but find so much inspiration from recycled materials.

My current obi belt collection is available in my store. However, if you saw something in the pictures from my Artists' Row store, chances are it is not yet available online but I do have it, send me a message and I will confirm either way.

Last Few Weeks of My Store & October in Salem

"Awe" by GAS Works Artist, Matt Andrade, Copyright held by the artist, on view now in GAS Works!! (Steve and I LOVE this painting and wish we could have it in our collection).

This week at my store, GAS Works on Artists' Row in Salem, MA we have SOOOOO much going on, live music three days this week, a meet the artists gallery opening party and so much more! If you would rather not get caught up in the thousands that come for Halloween weekend, this weekend would be a great weekend to come visit the store if you haven't yet.

Thursday 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM: hear sizzlin' blues with Lisa Marie whose voice and sound is incredible!
Saturday 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Chris Dowgin is signing books and giving a once in a life time Walk Through Salem based on his book!
Saturday 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: come meet the artists & visit me before my move to Minnesota in November, in our "Lost, Forgotten & Abandoned Exhibit" reception with music with a hint of twang by Nickie Farr and the Outland Rats (Love Them).
Sunday 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Ed White plays ukulele (the happiest sound in the world!) punk (yup!).

However, if you are into Halloween and want to check out the offerings in Salem, check out Haunted Happenings, the official Salem, MA calendar of events for the month of October and Halloween! We'd be happy to be your 'home base' on Halloween if you do wish to check it out, just send me a message so we can connect.

Fashion Shows in Salem, MA

This weekend was the "Ahht for Peeps" event at Old Town Hall in Salem, MA. It featured the work of Salem Arts Association members, artists from Artists' Row and around the community. It also featured two fashion shows, a Wearable Art Fashion show sponsored by YazBerry Fashion and an African Fashion show sponsored by Mamadou & Debra Crosby.

I've posted pictures of the Wearable Art Fashion Show I planned and directed, in the album: Wearable Art Fashion Show - Ahht for Peeps on Facebook. If you have trouble accessing it through this link, visit my Facebook fan page at: www.facebook.com/yazberryfashion and you should either be able to find this album on my main feed or on my albums list. The show featured my clothing and accessory designs, the hand painted silk scarves and neckties of Ellen Hardy of the Salem Arts Association and the leather masks, purses and cuffs of Dann Maurno of GAS Works. A special thanks to Debra Crosby for recruiting some of her students to model for my fashion show.

It's amazing how seeing clothing on a real person brings it to life, gives it shape and really makes you understand it better than when it is on a hanger. Here are several pictures from Mamadou's African Fashion Show for your enjoyment. The first several pictures feature clothing available in Mamadou & Debra Crosby's Store at Artists' Row, 24 New Derby St., Salem, MA. The last few pieces are from a couple of young designers that design African inspired clothing

Ahht for Peeps - Salem, MA - Aug 6-8

Some Sneak Peeks at the New Space

YazBerry Handmade Fashion has moved just down the block to the GAS Works building right across the street from the Lobster Shanty. This building houses several artists of varied disciplines. We've spent the last couple of days curating the space and aren't quite finished yet but I know you are curious so here is a little peek to whet your palate.

Fashion Design Drawing Class - Fun!

(Pictured are Remi, Lindley and myself)

I had a nice turnout today in the thickest humidity I've experienced all summer. Thank you Salem Gazette for publishing my class as it brought out a few curious minds. Here are some pictures from today's class. Thank you Dan & Arlene Browne for loaning me the Salem Arts Association sign today too. Definitely helped with visibility. And while I'm doling out thank yous, thanks for snapping a few shots of the class Debra Crosby, greatly appreciated!

If you missed today's class but are interested in the basics of fashion design drawing, stop by the store, I have some worksheets and tips I would be happy to share with you so you can go home and try fashion design drawing.

The awesome sign Dan & Arlene leant me for the afternoon.

Some tools we used today and one of my sample drawings.

Arlene Browne busy drawing.

Arlene again, another of my sample drawings and some more tools.

If you want to try your hand at designing and making your own clothes and accessories, then this next workshop is for you. Please note, advanced registration is required for this class so I can purchase the appropriate materials. If there are no registrations by Tuesday, July 20, I will unfortunately have to cancel this workshop. There is still time to sign up for:
Wed., July 21, 7 PM $15—Workshop: Recycled T-Shirt Fashion Project (2 sessions)
5-15 Participants
Open to all ages.
Younger children should be supervised as use of sewing machines & hot iron may be required.
Session I: Participants will take a look at a conventional t-shirt and will explore ways to restyle it, give new life and make it into something completely different. A restyled shirt? A skirt? A Dress? A Purse? Something entirely new and different?

Date TBD- Session II Student Performance: While participants are thinking about how to re-envision one of the most conventional garments out there, they will be challenged to re-envision the fashion show and other means of presenting a body of garments. Participants will plan and execute whatever form of fashion presentation the group chooses.

Did you Miss the Basic Sewing Workshop?

Fear not, I have kits with all of the supplies and instructions available for free in the store at Artists' Row, 24 New Derby St., Salem, MA 01970. Stop in and ask, you can pick your kit and take it home to work on. I'd be happy to answer any questions or you can view the photographic step by step tutorial in the previous blog entry.

Enjoy!

Basic Sewing Skills/Make a Sewing Kit Workshop

The rain scared away many tonight, but I was able to teach a couple of interested minds about basic sewing skills. If you wanted to come to today's workshop and the rain kept you home, I encourage you to stop by the store and pick up an instruction sheet and kit to make your own sewing kit at home. If you have never sewed before, let me know when you stop in, I'd be happy to work with you on the machine.

Also, check back on my blog, I will be posting a step by step photo tutorial on how to make your own sewing kit.

This Saturday I will have supplies available for you to learn how to do fashion drawings. I have the workshop scheduled for 4 PM but I would be happy to instruct you anytime throughout the day, just ask :)

Saturday, July 17, 4 PM FREE—Workshop: Fashion Design Drawing
10-20 Participants
Open to all ages.
Participants will learn how to draw clothing design ideas from different perspectives: front, side, back. They will be given instruction on how to emulate pleats, texture, print, volume etc. in their drawings. If participants wish to later construct their designs, suggestions on how much fabric and which materials they need will be given.

YazBerry Handmade Fashion August Class Schedule

Since I have my act together in planning classes for August ahead of schedule, I will post it now so you can start thinking about which classes you might want to take and to plan your own schedule.

All classes will be held in the courtyard outside of YazBerry Handmade Fashion, Artists' Row, 24 New Derby St., Unit #5, Salem, MA 01970 (across from Walgreens).

AUGUST CLASSES & DEMONSTRATIONS
Please e-mail berry@yazberry.com to register or stop in the store. Class size is limited due to space. May be some room for drop-ins day of class.

Instrucción disponible en español.
Instrução disponível no português.

**Parents, please use your best judgment if you feel your child is the right age to participate in the various workshops. You are welcome and encouraged to come along to help them out as you see fit. I encourage interest in the arts as early as possible.**

FREE Demonstration: Fashion Design Process
Participation unlimited, Space Permitting
Open to all ages.
Wednesday, August 11, 6 PM
I will demonstrate how I go about designing a purse. From the inspiration, to drafting the pattern, selecting the fabric and beginning the assembly. I won’t finish the purse as it takes several hours, but will begin some assembly.

Workshop: Recycled Junk Fashion Project (2 Sessions) $15 (both sessions included)
Limit 5-15 Participants
Open to all ages.
Wednesday, August 18, 6 PM
Younger children should be supervised as use of sewing machines & hot iron may be required.
Session I: Participants will be presented with a varied selection of items not typically associated with clothing. They are encouraged to bring ‘junk’ from home. I will provide a large selection of items. Then, using imagination and tools typically found in a sewing studio, participants will create wearable clothing items and accessories from the junk.

Date TBD-Session II Student Performance: Participants will put on a fashion show showing off their creations. They will be encouraged to invite family and friends to view the fashion show.

FREE Workshop: Basic Sewing Skills/Make a Rag Doll
Limit 5-10 Participants
Open to all ages.
Friday, August 27, 6 PM
Younger children should be supervised as use of sewing machines & hot iron may be required.
Participants will learn how to use a sewing pattern, follow instructions on a pattern and assemble a 3-D rag doll. The Rag Doll Pattern is supplied by Rag Dolls 2 Love, Inc., an organization that donates handmade dolls to children in war torn and disaster stricken areas. Students will be encouraged to donate their dolls, but can also take the dolls and patterns home and share the project with friends.

Hand Cut Leather Lace Demonstration

Here are some pictures from the Hand Cut Leather Lace Demonstration last week outside of my YazBerry Handmade Fashion Store on Artists' Row in Salem, MA.

Friday, July 9 at 6 PM. I had a half dozen interested minds stop by to learn about the history of cut paper art and how I have adapted this art form to cut leather lace. Pictured are samples of my work in leather, an example of Chinese cut paper art (circular picture with fish in red) and hanging behind me is iParty's rendition of Mexican Papel Picado (which is typically done in tissue paper). Also pictured are my tools.



Stop by this week to check out the next two free workshops I'm offering:
Wed 14, 7 PM FREE—Workshop: Basic Sewing Skills/Make a Sewing Kit
5-15 Participants
Open to all ages.
Younger children should be supervised as use of sewing machines & hot iron may be required.
Participants will learn how to sew on a button, mend a tear, hide a snag and hem pants. Basic instructions on how to use a needle and thread and a sewing machine will be taught. Insider tips and tricks will be shared. Participants will use the skills learned to make a simple sewing kit to hold needles, thread, pins etc. that I will provide.

Sat 17, 4 PM FREE—Workshop: Fashion Design Drawing
10-20 Participants
Open to all ages.
Participants will learn how to draw clothing design ideas from different perspectives: front, side, back. They will be given instruction on how to emulate pleats, texture, print, volume etc. in their drawings. If participants wish to later construct their designs, suggestions on how much fabric and which materials they need will be given.

To see what other great workshops, performances and demonstrations will be offered by other Artists on Artists' Row, check out the All Artists' Row calendar.