Shirley Huskey blends a love of fashion with artistic design, produced as wearable art by her Chichiluna brand. See more of her designs by visiting her website.
“Jellyfish Scarf” digital print on silk
At the tender age of six, the spark that was to light my life was ignited. It became my passion for fashion.
“Califlora Dress & Berry Jumper” digital and screen prints on silk and bamboo
I lived a sheltered life with my grandparents in Venezuela. They raised me with a blend of softness (Grandpa) and discipline (Grandma). Yet it was Grandma who shared her mystery trunk with me, chock-full of prized fashions from her glamorous younger days.
“Wired Kimono” digital print on silk
I was mesmerized as I saw the most beautiful clothes and photographs. And most importantly, the spark that lit my imagination—vintage fashion magazines. As I flipped through the pages, I was forever changed. I fell madly in love with fashion!
“Carmel Column Dress” digital print on silk
As a teenager, I moved to Miami, integrated myself into a new culture, and learned a new language. I pursued a Fashion Design degree in college. The nuance of draping cloths was revealed as my design vehicle and the art and craft of garment construction became my true calling. After graduation, I completed other courses in pattern-making, garment construction and bridal couture.
“Palm Frond Dress & Jumper” screen print on bamboo
Early in my career, I specialized in evening wear and bridalwear. As life moved on, I felt the need to explore other forms of creative self-expression. I studied photography, photoshop and printmaking. Yet, deep down, my deep love for fashion prevailed. I investigated how to bring all these art forms together and combine them with my love for nature’s beauty and magic. How to translate this into wearable clothing?
“Wired Pareo Dress in Gold” screen print on silk chiffon
I’m blessed to live in a tropical paradise. Early sunrise runs along the ocean shore and beautiful sunsets in my own back yard inspire me to take photographs and digitally play with them. When I achieve my vision, I digitally print or screen print it manually onto natural fabrics: silk, bamboo, and linen, using only eco-friendly inks and dyes.
“Shadows in the Sand Dress” digital print on silk
The resulting fabric is then made into wearable art, and is perfect for resort living. My early skills as a dressmaker often combine beautifully in special finishing touches such as hand appliques or bias bindings.
“Carmel Scarf” digital print on silk
I stitched together my love of nature, photography and my passion for fashion, and Chichiluna was born! A brand devoted to sustainable, slow hand-crafted fashion and artistic, timeless wearable clothing.
Shirley Huskey invites you to followon Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Love Ms. Huskey’s signature flow, especially the diaphanous Wired and Viaianne Pareo. A remarkable fine-artist/designer whose work I’ve seen here in Miami…hope it turns up on my beach!