10/05/2024
New Desiner Chef Coat Surprise:
(long but incredible Story đâ¤ď¸) âşď¸
In the midst of life's trials and celebrations, food has always been my constant companion, bringing people together and healing hearts. Recently, I was surprised with a gift that touched me deeply - a designer chef coat crafted with care and thoughtfulness by Nicolas, a renowned Designer artist. This unexpected gesture came at a time when I was grappling with loss and needed upliftment the most.
Nicolas, through his artistic genius, brought to life my personal journey on fabric - from the Polynesian art that tells one story to the vivid images that narrate another. Each tattoo etched on my skin carries a tale of resilience and the wisdom gained from life's storms.
One tattoo, depicting me surfing amidst the waves of Hawaii, symbolizes the lesson learned during Hurricane Andrew - that the eye of the storm is the safest place. Just as in surfing, where finding the sweet spot amidst the waves is crucial, life demands that we embrace its challenges without fear, but with courage and joy. This is on my left under arm closest to my heart. I will tell my life story through my tattoos on another post .
Nicolas, with his adjustments in design and colors, aimed to surround me with an aura of positivity and protection. His gesture not only honored my journey but also reminded me to cherish every moment and to navigate life's currents with grace and resilience making time for friends and whatâs most important is family.
I'm profoundly grateful to Nicolas and his team for this incredible gift, which serves as a constant reminder to find peace amidst chaos and to embrace life's journey with open arms and celebrate Friends & Family đâ¤ď¸âđŠš
Notes below of the Story from the Artist Nicolas Villalba world renowned Designer
Nicolas Villalba
WHEN THE ARTISTS MET
In January of 2024, my dear cousin Helen lost her husband Frank very suddenly and unexpectedly,
dampening the revelry of celebrating the New Year with an unforeseen haze of sadness.
I flew up to northern California for Frankâs funeral and to offer my love and support to Helen. As is
the norm for a funeral, it was a beautiful melding of grief, love, memories, and tears. I was
powerfully reminded of how fleeting time is, and of how important my family is to me.
The reception after the funeral was held at Frank and Helenâs house; a sanctuary atop a vineyard
covered mountain. As I entered the house, I immediately noticed a chaotic buzz of activity in the
kitchen. Sumptuous charcuterie displays were being assembled, chafing dishes were being set up
and filled with beautiful food, delicious smells wafted from an outdoor grill, and eager guests
hovered the perimeter eagerly awaiting the dinner bell.
In the center of it all was a man in quiet, but powerful control. The Chef.
He diligently prepared the food with passion and intensity. Hands constantly moving, mind never
stopping, he answered questions, gave orders, and bobbed between crisscrossing staff while never
missing a beat. âThis man has a flowâ, I thought.
He is like water.
The meal was astounding. All of Frankâs favorites and then some. After my second serving, I
noticed the Chef still busily at work. Checking on guests, refilling dishes, giving direction, but most
importantly, checking on Helen. I like this guy.
After the majority of guests had left, it was the core family members that remained. Time for
tequila shots.
âJames, come do a shot!â a cousin shouted.
In walked The Chef. Fluid, like water. And dripping with sweat.
His name is James.
He gave his all today.
I must meet him.
I introduced myself, and I immediately felt his energy. Powerful.
We chat like old friends. I notice his tattoos and he proceeds to tell me the stories behind each of
them. He speaks with such honestly and vulnerability, that I feel like he is trusting me with his most
valuable secrets.
I thanked him for taking such great care of my family and of Helen.
I want to do something in return.
âPlease give me your chefâs coatâ I ask.
Without hesitation, he removes it and hands it over. I really like this guy!
âIâm going to create something for you as a show of gratitude.â I tell him, as my mind immediately
starts designing.
I returned to Dallas the next day.
THE PROCESS
Once I was back in my studio, I immediately formulated a plan. How can I tell the story of Chef
Jamesâs incredible journey? Then it comes to me:
I need to celebrate the tattoos.
My team and I began by making a sewing pattern for the chefâs coat and modifying it for a custom
fit. I ordered a beautiful satin face cotton textile from New York and prepared it for inks and dyes.
In the following weeks, using photos of Jamesâs actual tattoos, my team and I hand-draw the same
tattoo motifs on the paper pattern in pencil, making sure the artwork will align perfectly when cut
and sewn in fabric. I draw the abstract side, Lyka draws the dragon and surfer, and Rosa draws the
flowers and koi. We constantly compare and gauge proportions for placement and accuracy.
Now its time to create magic. We each take a section of the pattern and transfer each and every
line of the artwork to the fabric by hand. We double and triple check each piece to make sure the
pattern will match when sewn.
I hand drew the bold black lines of geometric shapes, and all the black outlines of the artwork, just
as if it were a tattoo, and let it dry for 48 hours.
Now we can begin adding color. Piece by piece we reference Jamesâs actual tattoos and bring the
outlines on the fabric to life. All the inks are custom mixed to bring vivid vibrancy to the artwork. I
sneakily add a little âeaster eggâ into the design by painting the colors of Jamesâs new logo into the
surferâs board shorts.
It takes many days to complete the color, and then its heat-set and pressed for permanence.
Now we can assemble the pieces. Rosa meticulously sews each seam, making sure the pattern is
uninterrupted. The coat is lined with black silk satin so that the Chef will be embraced with
comfort.
The coat is complete.
I wanted this coat to be a âsecond skinâ for James. A coat that amplifies his energy and talents.
A coat that shares his stories and captivates his guests.
I want this coat to comfort him the way he comforted my Helen.
I want this coat to remind him that he is absolutely one of a kind.
I am inspired by him.
I am grateful for him.
Thank you, Chef.
Nicolas Villalba
5/9/2024
