Master of the Bias

Charles Kleibacker died this past week. Don't recognize the name? His star rose decades ago, but he was both courtier and curator--someone who understood the distinct art of fashion.

As a fan of fashion construction, I have particular appreciation of this man. I can't sew very well but I can examine a piece of clothing and value the intricacies of its construction. I can appreciate something that looks simple yet I can see its complexity. I admire the vision that can create a piece of wearable art and moreso, execute it with four yards of fabric and copious imagination.

Kleibacker was heralded in his lifetime for his fashion workmanship (and celebrity devotees) and for his work in Ohio teaching design. He also appreciated the brilliant, simplistic impact of a little black dress (he famously said that color blends into the furniture). Quite a remarkable fellow. Quite a remarkable life.