Last week was the launch party of the Aviatrix NYC’s first NYC pop-up in ChaShaMa galleries of upper West Side Midtown Manhattan. Started by circus artist and aerialist Michelle Palmer, Aviatrix NYC hosts a collection of bespoke wearable art.
The NYC fashion pop-up showcases some of Palmer’s custom headpieces utilizing a variation of sculpture, weaving, textile and up-cycling techniques, creating some of the most magical, luxurious pieces.
The intimate space at ChaShaMa allows for a close-up and personal viewing of the delicate embellishments including Swarovski crystals, faux fur, semi-precious stones, silk, lace and feathers.
Particular standout pieces were a gold deer skull headdress with gold hoops representing the warrior goddess Diana the Huntress that was made for a pregnancy photo shoot and a dreamy butterfly headpiece called “You Make Me Want To Cover Myself In Butterflies” made from sequin film.
Visitors can try on these beautiful, custom pieces for themselves, letting each one call out their own inner magical being. The headpieces are also being shown alongside the delicate couture lingerie and dress pieces of Project Runway’s Sonia Kasparian.
Michelle herself comes from the circus art scene, letting it influence her as well as obtaining her ideas from visions garnered from meditations, fantasies or dreams. Other inspirations come from goddess archetypal art, nature, psychedelics, festival culture, punk and the 1920s. In fact, festival culture is where she first held her name, The Aviatrix, during Burning Man 2013.
The Pop-Up is open to visitors until November 10th, at the Cha Sha Ma gallery located on 266 West 37th Street. Afterwards, fans can keep a look out for a new permanent space that will be coming soon by following Michelle on the official Aviatrix NYC Instagram. Michelle will also be teaching a Headdress Creation class at East Village Hats for those looking to learn how to make their own extravagant headpieces.
