So Many Colours, So Little Time...In 2000, Babs worked as an independent photographer for National Geographic on the Marco Polo Silk Road. This journey created a passion for silk and inspired her to use them in Babs Designs, a collection of Asian-inspired clothing suitable for wear in the western world. Now Babs visits Cambodia twice a year to encourage female entrepreneurs in a nation recovering from war and political oppression.
Before her fascination with silk, Babs worked in partnership with Cara Long to create Sweet Soul Designs. In 2001 they spent six week restoring the historic Vancouver City Hotel that became the shared Babalong studio, a paradise of costumes, collectibles and silk.
Babs has also helped to renew Vancouver’s interest in burlesque. As Babalicious, the sultry vintage goddess, she uses her wit and rebellious political edge to tantalize and provoke. Performing as a burlesque dancer for years at secret cabarets, art openings and fashion galas, her famous “Osama Shaves Bush” routine is an example of how Babs loves to mesmerize a crowd by going just a touch beyond the boundaries of comfort.
“Burlesque, silks, costumes- they allow me to use my creativity to pay homage to the beautiful cultures I’ve seen around the world and express my vision of social equality.”
But Babs’ primary focus is Babs Designs, which she has displayed at fashion events and art shows across Canada and along the western coast of the United States. |
