In May 2023, Mary Jaeger traveled the Silk Road in Uzbekistan. The journey among caravanserais, ancient walled cities and bustling village markets lead her to a myriad of ikat and suzani textile studios to see hand-made fabrics being created using age-old techniques. Traveling this path which connected east to west for centuries, connected Jaeger’s design life’s work as she shifted from Japan to Europe to NYC. Much like roots of civilization and textiles, seeing the Silk Road artisans connected and nurtured Jaeger’s inspirations, just as trees grow and flower from tangled and ancient roots. Immersed in the rich and varied cultures of Central Asia deepened and enhanced my her use of geometric and nature-inspired motifs, specific color relationships and how fabrics are designed, made and used.
These experiences offered Jaeger the opportunity to step into new territory, encouraging her to combine shaped-resist dyed textiles with vintage and contemporary Uzbekistan suzanis and ikats. For this exhibition, Jaeger has created a series of coats and interior wall panels that cross cultural and time barriers combining a variety of materials using layering, quilting and applique methods.
Each coat and wall panel is hand-embroidered with one of my Words of Hope: Love Joy Peace Courage Happiness Empathy Compassion. These messages encourage the wearers and viewers to be conscious of their own actions and communication skills, and to be aware of dismissive waste in our fragile world.
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Mary Jaeger draws on years of study and work in Japan and SE Asia. She is an entrepreneur well known for her timeless textile designs using shaped-resist dyeing and manipulation techniques, mindful of sustainability, eco-consciousness and circular fashion. Jaeger’s niche women's and interior accessory collections, at their core reflect her passions for color, texture and pattern, synthesized with simple silhouettes, natural fibers and a love of hand crafted and couture sewing details. Jaeger exhibits internationally and is the recipient of the Smithsonian Honoring the Future Sustainability Award.