WELCOME TO
ABOUT ME
I’m an artist and fashion historian with a lifelong fascination for the stories clothing can tell. My journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandise Management from the Fashion Institute of Technology, leading to eight years immersed in New York’s fashion industry.
But overtime, I felt something was missing. I longed for a deeper connection to the past—the textures, traditions, and personal histories that garments carry. That turning point came when I first encountered a 19th-century mourning gown in a museum archive. The emotion stitched into that fabric—the love, the grief, the craftsmanship—was profound. It was then I realized my true calling wasn’t just to observe fashion trends, but to preserve and reinterpret the cultural language of textiles.
I went on to earn a Master of Arts in Visual Culture, specializing in Costume and
Textile History, at New York University. Today, I combine my academic background
with studio practice, creating custom embroidery art and handmade textile art that
bridges memory, history, and material. Much of my work explores historical photo embroidery, reimagining archival images through thread to give forgotten stories new life.
I’ve taught Fashion, Art, and Cinema History at Parsons School of Design and worked with nonprofit and cultural institutions to help preserve our collective heritage through textiles. My work is an ongoing conversation between past and present—told one stitch at a time.
Ricamo Strano
In 2023, I founded Ricamo Strano—which means “Strange Embroidery” in Italian—as a way to bring together my love of fashion, photography, and textile history. Through handmade embroidery art, I reinterpret vintage and historical photographs, weaving new meaning into forgotten moments.
For me, embroidery is more than a craft—it’s a way to transform memory into something tangible and deeply personal. Every piece I create is layered with texture, emotion, and story. I’m especially drawn to the tactile beauty of thread and how it can breathe new life into the past through historical photo embroidery.
Whether you’re drawn to a particular photo, inspired by a family heirloom, or dreaming up something entirely your own, I’d love to bring your vision to life. Custom orders are always welcome—just reach out.
If you can dream it, I can embroider it.