Elizabeth Wilson, an expert on Japanese textiles and a successful business woman, will be on east campus on February 20, 2014, to share the history and workings of her unique business Asiatica in Kansas City. Elizabeth turned a longstanding interest in Japanese textiles and dress into a unique concept store, recognized for its fine Asian-inspired products. Asiatica’s showroom offers elegant house brand ready-to-wear, Japanese accessories and textiles, antiques and unique items for the home that Elizabeth buys on her yearly trips to Japan. Behind the showroom/boutique is a design studio where she and her staff create beautiful, highly marketable garments. Asiatica’s artisans practice adaptive re-use of vintage textiles using Japanese fabrics and kimono cloth that are stitched into coats, jackets, scarves, blouses and more. These garments are distinct for their fine craft and for the Asian influence that characterizes their silhouettes and finish. They have a distinct place in the US market largely due to Elizabeth’s modern stylings, their luxurious feel, and the fact that they are highly wearable. Several times a year Elizabeth travels throughout the US staging trunk shows that showcase her fashions and bring her product line to clients from coast to coast. Asiatica’s product line can also be seen at its website http://www.asiaticakc.com/
Through the day that she’s at UNL Elizabeth Wilson will visit classes to speak with the students about her adaptive design approach and her marketing strategies. She will give a public lecture in which she’ll reflect on her interest and love of Japanese art and textiles and describe how she developed a thriving, specialty fashion business in the center of the heartland. “Asiatica Redefined: A Dialogue with Elizabeth Wilson” will take place in room 11 of the Home Economics Building at 5:00 p.m. on February 20th, 2014. This event is free and open to the public thanks to underwriting from the University of Nebraska Faculty Senate Convocations Committee. Elizabeth Wilson’s presentation is a feature event linked to the exhibition “Japan and Fashion: Influence and Impact” curated by Dr. Barbara Trout. The exhibition opens on February 24 in the Robert Hillestad Textiles Gallery in the department. For additional information please phone the Department of Textiles, Merchandising & Fashion Design at 402-472-2911.