This past Saturday, Alma Wieser – better known as the woman behind Vintage Heaven and “mother” of Heaven Gallery – presented the Fall 2011 collection for her reconstructed vintage line, Renovar.

Alma was inspired by the great 20th century American artist Louise Nevelson, one of the progenitors of installation art and helped popularize the use of recycled materials in fine art. Just like Nevelson, Alma sourced vintage clothing to create designs greater than their original form. She succeeded with flying colors – or shall I saw neutrals? The lack of hue was remarkable in its starkness, but the restriction to only black and white was yet another tribute to Nevelson; the artist was well-known for shying away from color in her work.

Alma used a variety of reclaimed materials including electrical cords, children’s blocks, bicycle seat, toy tools, and other intriguing shapes. Strapped to the lapels of coats or positioned atop teased-out hair, these forms added a bit of humor and mystery in the best possible way. Where were these items before Alma found them? And taken only for the shape of each piece – beyond their original uses as a cell phone charger or part of a vehicle – they were certainly fascinating elements in an entirely enchanting collection.

Renovar is by far the best kept secret in Chicago’s growing, yet often over-saturated fashion scene. Alma’s purity of mission, depth of soul, and remarkable design skills make this show one never to miss.

Official Site: Heaven Gallery

Official Site: Louise Nevelson Foundation