February 7 • 2019 47
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SUZANNE CHESSLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Creative Energy
Two designers show their newest work
at a private home on Valentine’
s Day.
F
ran Broder and Elizabeth Guz
share a love of accessories —
both design and sell pieces that
showcase their personal approaches to
creativity. Broder began with scarves
and hats in faux fur, while Guz designs
jewelry.
They will reveal their latest projects
Feb. 14 in a private home.
Broder of Birmingham will expand
her wearables by introducing a cloth-
ing line under her existing commercial
name FauxFurever. Guz will display
innovations in her ELLA Designs
Jewelry that can complement the
clothing.
“I evolved from faux fur accessories
into clothing the same way I started
with the accessories,
” says Broder,
whose work has sold at events to ben-
efit the Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy
Network. “I was making things and
wearing them, and people were asking
where I bought them. I call my style a
little edgy and comfortable. It’
s loos-
er-fitting and drape-y. I describe the
look that includes tops, skirts, dresses,
jackets and coats as urban chic.
”
Broder does the designing, but expe-
rienced sewers complete each piece.
She distinguishes her clothing by using
neoprene — lightweight, machine
washable and dryable, and free of
wrinkles.
“Neoprene has become a catch name
for a lot of fabrics called scuba knits,
”
says Broder, who also sells at the One
of a Kind Show in Chicago.
“My designs don’
t have the weight of
typical neoprene used in wetsuits, but
it’
s a similar look. It lets me create dra-
matic silhouettes that can’
t be created
with other fabrics and are fabulous for
travel.
”
Because her designs are not form-fit-
ting, they come in three sizes — small,
medium and large.
Guz of Franklin started her jewelry
line with her daughter, Lauren, and
now works independently. They devel-
oped the jewelry to raise money for
the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research
Program at the University of Michigan.
The Michael Guz Bipolar Cell Biology
Fund honors the son and brother who
lost his life to the disorder. Fifty per-
cent of proceeds are donated.
“I taught myself how to make neck-
laces, bracelets and earrings that are
versatile,
” says Guz, who has raised
$218,000 for the cause so important
to her family. “I often go with contem-
porary looks, but there are traditional
pieces as well.
”
Guz combines pieces that catch her
attention, from chains to beads, and
joins them in unique ways. Prices are
based on the materials.
“I don’
t do any soldering,
” says Guz,
who has sold her work at synagogues
and at the One of a Kind Show in
Chicago.
A design approach Guz shares with
Broder involves being inspired by
changing styles and adding original
variations to whatever has been trend-
ing.
“I believe that clothing and accesso-
ries are not superficial,
” Broder says.
“They’
re a form of identity and self-ex-
pression. It’
s art that makes a statement
and makes wearers feel confident.
When people feel confident, it elevates
them.
” ■
details For directions to the showing 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14,
email fbroder@me.com.
designs
FAR LEFT: Fran
Broder wears
her designs in
lightweight neo-
prene; all pieces
are hers except
for the boots.
LEFT: Elizabeth
Guz with her
jewelry designs.
Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem
Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem was commissioned for the re-consecration
of Britain’s Coventry Cathedral, which was destroyed by a Nazi bomb raid in
1940. The work requires huge forces, including large orchestra and chorus,
organ, a chamber orchestra that accompanies the soloists, and a children’s
choir.
UMS Choral Union
Ann Arbor Youth Chorale
Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra
Scott Hanoian, conductor
Thursday, February 16 // 8 pm
Hill Auditorium
Presenting Sponsor: Jerry Blackstone UMS Choral Union Performance Fund
Supporting Sponsor: Frances Mauney Lohr Choral Union Endowment Fund
Media Partners: WEMU 89.1 FM, WRCJ 90.9 FM, and WGTE 91.3 FM
734.764.2538 —
—
— UMS.ORG
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