HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Artfully North Alabama is back for another summer! FOX54 News debuted this series last year and highlighted unique artists across the Tennessee valley.
We meet an artist who has no bounds, but fashion design is what we'll spotlight, and how she does it is what's turning heads.
Meet Willette Tate.
Willette has done paper mache, paintings, cooking, and poetry. However, she has a certain flair for fashion. She has one piece called 'Hot Thing', inspired by her favorite artists, Prince.
“This is part of the Prince series. This one actually walked in Paris Fashion Week," said Tate.
Tate is located at studio 309 at Lowe Mill in Huntsville, and she has been there since 2009. “I've been here ever since and I'm known as the 'Tie Lady' because my first collection was done out of neckties.”
There’s a trade to her talent, by making new outfits out of ties.
“So I learned how to reappropriate everything from laundry detergent to, you know, it was just a way of life.”
This trade is called upcycling.
“I upcycle where I can, but if something different or new or something that is inspirational, I'm open to that," said Tate. “Pop the colors and ties. You learn that when you're collecting ties, especially red and blue.”
She has a first piece that's a wave of red ties. “It's called 'Fire', said Tate.
Tate doesn't limit her many talents. Her tip to other inspiring artists?
“Don't fear your gifts. You are the only you that would ever be it. So if you don't use it, not only do you lose it, but you won't have the experience of having it seen.”