PERSONAL OBJECT
BGC STUDY COLLECTION OBJECT
Lisandra Laundry
Waist Beads
New York, NY
Beads, elastic
Butterick and Willi Smith
Patterns for Clothing
New York, NY
Paper, ink
Handmade by me, for me, a symbol of African pride, a gorgeous, shiny chain of beads, a tradition that may have originated among the Yoruba tribes, now mainly in Nigeria and seen in West Africa, notably Ghana. I consist of small glass beads on elastic or thread, worn around the waist or hips, usually knotted or secured using a clasp. We come in a variety of colors and shapes. Some might include decorative stones, crystals, or charms. All representing a unique meaning, I am proud to say that we’ve been worn for centuries by women in many African cultures to represent femininity, spiritual well-being, maturity, wealth, aristocracy, and more.
An accessible pack of patterns full of measurements, created by the designer Willi Smith in order to create a tool of liberation to break from stereotypes. Using these patterns the community is given the chance to DIY. Envisioning a new society full of color and collaboration. His goal was to unite us as one. Inspiring women to be confident in clothes made by themselves, for themselves. By using these patterns he wanted to spread his influence throughout the community regardless of status and background, to embrace African American culture.
COMPARATIVE ESSAY
Why do people make things by hand? Many people practice “DIY” to make their creations more personal. They are able to work with their hands and enjoy the empowering feeling of creating something on their own. Being able to express yourself through clothing and accessories is what makes us unique as individuals. The waist beads and design patterns by Willi Smith are both created with the intention of being feminine and using your own hands to create something for yourself, making both of these objects accessible to everyone.
ABOUT THE CURATOR
Lisandra Laundry is a rising junior at the Academy for Software Engineering. She lives in Brooklyn, NY. and loves to spend her day binge watching Netflix. She occasionally paces around her house as she listens to music in her playlist. She enjoys hanging out with friends and trying new foods. Her favorite subjects change depending on the type of teacher she has. To her, active matter is when an object tells a story. Whether the object is newly made or passed down, even the materials used to make the object tells their own personal story. From today on she will consider the old and new lives objects will continue to have.