clio mcclure
Floral Lioness (2020)
Printed Lycra, Swarovski Crystals, Interfacing. 14Wx11Hx14.5D (inches)
For purchase inquiries please contact the artist at
cliomcclure@gmail.com
Artist’s statement
In 2120, masks in the style of the Floral Lioness, pictured here, are most commonly used for Underground Ballroom Competitions. Using materials that have been banned for decades (plastic fabric, glue, crystals), these over-the-top face covers adorn illegal dancers who meet late at night in abandoned parking structures to compete for Best Waltz, Tango, and Foxtrot. As the dances require Potentially Infected People to come within breathing distance of each other, the penalty for being caught is made worse by donning these masks. The Department of Homeland Security has had little success in infiltrating these dangerous groups but asks that you report any offenders especially wearing Swarovski crystal immediately.
This piece is an homage to the competitive ballroom industry. After devoting many years to one of the top fashion houses for dance dresses, I was heartbroken to see the Pandemic
essentially kill this art form. The dresses I designed and created for dancers will live in my heart, and I want this mask to always remind me of them. I found a lion's face in the floral print of this exciting fabric and constructed it in a way that gives the wearer a glamorous, strong, and fearless look.
About the Artist
Clio McClure is a costume designer both in profession and hobby. She studied Costuming for Theater at the Evergreen State College and currently resides in Portland, Oregon. Her designs can be seen on competition floors across the country. She loves creating looks for Venetian Carnevale and has modeled her looks at the event for two years.
She hopes to continue designing and creating looks with her favorite materials: richly colored stretch fabrics, chiffons, and crystals.