THE SKYRT STORY
GABRIELE MAREWSKI
Farmer, Adventure Traveler, Photographer & Apparel Designer
I’ve always been a skirt person. Growing up going to Catholic schools, I got to wear uniforms. First it was a jumper over a blouse, and then in high school, it was a skirt and blazer. When we moved to a farmhouse, where I found a suitcase full of a woman’s dresses, I played dress up by wearing all the dresses at the same time.
In my teens and twenties, during college and a subsequent agricultural job, it was always jeans. Then, while working for a county commissioner, I was back in skirts again. I rediscovered the freedom and comfort of a skirt and have never gone back to pants.
When, in 1990 after years of agricultural work, the opportunity came to purchase five acres of land next to my home, I decided to blaze a new trail and become a full-time certified organic farmer. My first act as a farmer was to trash my panty hose and make farm skirts that I could comfortably wear every day. Agricultural work in Florida requires lots of labor in hot weather and the coolness of a skirt was wonderfully practical. I happily farmed in skirts for over 20 years.
OVER HILL & DALE
As a farmer, I hosted volunteers who brought the larger world to my doorstep and I heard about the joy of long distance hiking. In 2010 I started taking adventurous journeys where I hike and bike across countries - to visit my travel website CLICK HERE. My farm skirts were the ideal travel wear for these active adventures - cool, comfortable, easy to pack, easy to wash, and quick drying.
On my journeys I am always taking photos with my phone camera. My love of nature and my experiences as a farmer draw me to scenes of the countryside I travel through, and I especially love taking photos of flowers and nature’s magical places.
I started dreaming of taking pictures of the amazing things I was seeing and experiencing… and imprinting series of images on my farm skirts. The idea of intentionally recording my travels with my camera, and using them on my skirts to tell visual stories, was exciting!
A SKYRT IS BORN
As the idea for my photo skirts percolated, I started seeing my photos as a type of travel journal that told the story of my adventures. I started consciously capturing my experiences through a narrative lens. Then, I began grouping the photographs in ways that curated my visual stories. Before long, I had a number of photo stories, but wasn’t sure of how to turn them into an actual picture covered skirt.
In 2017 I sold my farm and moved to Asheville, North Carolina. The change in lifestyle gave me time to go hiking every day with my dogs, and it gave me time to think. It was here, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, that I made my way thru taking the dream of photo covered skirts and turning it into an actual creative arts business.
I had explored printing processes until I discovered a way to have my photographs dye sublimated onto a polyester blend fabric that is great for active wear. The printing process allows for clear colorful images that don’t fade - perfect for my photographs. The skirt fabric I use has all the travel friendly qualities I love and is a post consumer product that is eco-friendly. I also decided on an environmentally conscious production strategy - to learn more CLICK HERE. With a way and means of production in place, I came up with a business plan, and… Story Skyrts was born!
THE IDEAL BLEND
Story Skyrts are perfect for any type of skirt lover! They are made for sport and can take you seamlessly from hiking or biking to town activities. Their fun, flirty distinctive look makes them great everyday wear that always looks good. I have worn Story Skyrts around the world and love all the compliments I get about being well dressed on the trail!
And… you will feel good when wearing your Story Skyrt. They come in easy-fit sizes designed to be worn around the waist or as a hipster. The soft, cool, moisture wicking fabric is low odor and dries quickly. These skirts are easy wash and wear, and perfect for travel. The non-piling fabric has an SPF factor of 50, and is non-fading so the rich colors and beautiful designs keep you looking great and on the go!
I love designing custom Story Skyrts for organizations and businesses.
CONTACT ME to share your group story and skirt idea!