Born in Lithuania, Vilma Mare creates extraordinary handmade clothing that reflects her Baltic heritage. “For years, I have studied the Baltic culture, its rites and mythologies concerning nature and the role of the woman within this world. I try to reflect these ideas and traditions in serene, thoughtful clothes that meet the needs of today’s women,” Mare says. One of the most important influences on her artistic approach has been the study of the surface detail found in Baltic Iron Age and wooden artifacts, which she interprets for women today. The result is clothing she calls “Baltic style for modern consciousness.” Mare uses boiled wool, knit and felt fabrics made from natural fibers to create a wide range of art clothing including jackets, capes, skirts, dresses and accessories. Her signature style includes such details as exposed raw seams, intricate stitching and strong, architectural lines that are flattering and functional for most women. Mare’s work has been shown in galleries around the world, including France, Lithuania, and New York City. She lives in Copake, New York. Image: “Baltic Style Fashion”, wool, viscose, silk and felted knits, some with smocked necklines.