Ethereal Light Fashion Installation Will Brighten the Universe
Sometimes, the design process is lonely. After years of processing the abuse and suicide of her schizophrenic, older brother, Esther Boller found peace in the light of distant stars and so, on May 26 and 27, The One 15 (115 Lathrop avenue) will become a night sky, models will move like wind, and Esther’s knits will reflect the light that allowed her to process so much darkness.
“It was this overwhelming smallness. The stars and the wind were so big. I felt connected to something much greater. I felt connected to others.”—Esther Boller
Distant stars have this amazing ability to connect us. This fashion installation brings that connection a little closer. “In the past the design process has been so lonely. I always thought that asking for help would just make me a burden. But with this [installation] I’ve gotten to work with so many amazing people. And they’ve made this into what I imagined it to be. It’s all about connection and healing.”—Esther Boller
To make this possible, Swarovski has sponsored Esther and provided her with thousands of their crystals and Esther has teamed with amazing artists who want to share her message. “This whole project has showed me that I can do more than I think I can. We can do more than what we think we’re capable of.”—Hannah Buechler
Collaborators include Hannah Buechler (Beading), Roberto Garcia (Sound Design), Elena Romera (Production Design) and more. Thousands of hours of hand-knitting, beading and experience-designing have gone into this fashion installation, so that others may feel connected through Esther’s story. It will be two nights of lights and wind, reflection and connection.
Her knitwear designs are impressive, but the true precision of this show comes from its intention. “Working with so many designers on this space has given me a new energy and inspiration, too. It has been such a healing process," said Esther Boller.
Ethereal Light’s doors open at 7:15 p.m. Guests will find themselves in a stilling atmosphere of sound and art. At 8 p.m., doors will close and guests will be given the opportunity to enter a second room—a concert space covered in thousands of LEDs—where they may participate in a requiem of the stars. The music will build and the models will come out.
The installation is open to the public and is seeking anyone who needs a reminder that they are not alone.
For more information, check out Esther’s award-winning blog: esther-fromthesticks.blogspot.com and on Instgram @estherboller.
