I had the honor and pleasure of collaborating with the kind and brilliant alternative knitter, Eris Swanstrom, creator of Modique Couture handmade alternative knitwear. Eris began knitting in 1990 (at age 14) and is self taught on all of the knitting machines she has ever used. She honed her craft for many years before creating the Modique Couture line in 2017. Woot! Eris currently works on a range of 5 machines that vary in age (1958-1988). All of her garments are far from traditional and her preference to pattern manually makes each luscious piece one-of-a-kind. In addition to making the clothing, get this…Eris also makes the fabric that the clothing is made from! The flavor palette of Modique Couture materials include organic, hand dyed, sustainable fibers sourced locally and in select locations around the world, lyocell, cotton, silk, alpaca, wools, angora, bamboo, and linen. Now, let’s talk about the details. All of Modique Couture’s buttons, fasteners, and embellishments are made by local artists, such as Woodcrafty, Rivet Jewelry, and Xena Electra. Definitely check out their art (after finishing this post)! The complex and intricate expressions of Modique Couture knitwear are passionate, emotional, and as Eris puts it, “untamed.” So true! The unpredictability of her patterns, color selections, and hemlines attribute to the magic of her designs. There is a profound bond of intimacy between Eris and the fabric that gives rise to an indescribable bond between the body and the garb.

I am 41 years of age and I have always had a deep appreciation for fashion and the expressions from which fashion ignites. Because of Modique Couture, I now understand what it means to experience a deep love and connection with a garment. The energy of the matter that is used to create her pieces feels ancient…ancestral. Each time I slide on a Modique Couture garment, I feel grounded more, more connected to the earth, and empowered. Modique Couture speaks to the heart, and the heart can’t help but listen. So, embrace it, love it, wear it, share it, cherish it!

This photo shoot captured a mere sliver of her incredible art! BIG HUGS and THANK YOUS to all of the wonderful models that helped make this collab possible! And a HUGE THANK YOU to Eris for sharing her gifts with the world!!! To discover more about Eris and view her art work visit Modique Couture and Instagram. You can also find Modique Couture at @cocoongallerync