Why throw out that empty wine bottle — when you could wear it down a fashion runway? For artist Kathleen Plate, dumpster diving for old glass bottles is a frequent first step towards creating her upcycled chandeliers, glass wall installations, pillows — and even high-fashion dresses.

Kathleen’s perhaps best known as the founder and designer of Smart Glass Jewelry — also made using upcycled bottles — since her work’s been worn by celebrities like Amy Smart and Christina Applegate. Now, Kathleen’s expanding her oeuvre to include home accessories. Last night saw the launch of Kathleen’s new recycled glass home collection at Environment Furniture in Los Angeles.

Guests milled about admiring the intricate chandeliers, glass “curtains,” and framed glass wall art. Of course, because all the works are made incorporating recycled glass, the pillows and dresses raised some questions about practicality. After all, glass decorative pillows don’t exactly invite leaning, sitting, or lying on. And glass dresses don’t seem to allow for comfortable sitting.

Are the dresses fashionable clothes, or decorative art? “I think in some ways the highest of fashion is art, really, because it’s not what you’d wear every day,” Kathleen said last night. “I’d say they’re more art — conceptual art.” That said, every dress on show at the event has made its way down a fashion runway — though Kathleen hasn’t worn any of thm herself. “They’re sized for models, not for me,” she said, laughing.

Want to own a Kathleen Plate work of art? Visit Environment Furniture to see the collection firsthand. The home pieces cost roughly $250 a square foot, and the dresses about $3000 each. More affordable upcycled glass jewelry by Kathleen Plate’s available at Smart Glass Jewelry, where prices range from $38 for a glass bangle to $248 for a large charm necklace.

Photo of Kathleen Plate by kathleenplate.com; all other photos by Siel

Earlier:
>> Beca Designs: Kahlua and Belvedere bottles become eco-jewelry
>> Eko-Lab’s necklace: Made with a recycled Heineken bottle and hand-crocheted yarn

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