Lexington, KY - Having grown up with a grandfather who was a watercolor artist and a professional seamstress for a grandmother, art and design have always been a big part of Mauricio (Maui) Crane’s world. Born in Colombia and raised in Miami, Crane moved to Lexington about four years ago to be closer to his family, who had migrated here when his mother was sick with cancer. After her passing two years ago, he continues to pay tribute to his mother with his art and fashion designs, creating a collection dedicated to her for the Lexington Fashion Collaborative Future of Fashion showcase each year.
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Jewelry designer Maui Crane (right) poses with his model and muse Brianna Newma at TrusT lounge before one of his weekly art and fashion eventsphoto by: Robbie Clark.
“All the women in my life have always been really strong and powerful – the leaders of my family – so they are a big inspiration,” said Crane, who will collaborate with his sister, make-up artist Ana Crane-Simpson, on an eco-friendly collection of refurbished vintage designs for this year’s Future of Fashion show, which takes place June 21 - 23.
Crane has been focusing on artful jewelry design since he was in his early 20s. His elaborate, detail-oriented pieces incorporate unexpected materials such as lace and other fabrics, and all are one-of-a-kind. “I don’t like repeating myself,” he said.
Crane quickly fell in with the local non-profit group Lexington Fashion Collaborative when he came to Lexington, and now serves as the official event coordinator for the organization, which seeks to support and further the local fashion scene, bringing together designers, models, and hair and make-up artists from around the region. Last year, Crane organized an impressive Alice and Wonderland themed fashion event with the group for Mayfest in Gratz Park; this year he will organize another fun and family-friendly fashion show for the event, with a theme of “Fairy Tale Fashion.”
He has also taken his event-planning skills to a new level with a weekly art and fashion event at TrusT Lounge, a downtown nightclub that he helped design the interior of. The events, called “Maui Crane Design Presents,” feature various artists, costumes, photographers and performers, with a different theme each week – some recent installments included “Man or the Machine” (“steampunk” fashion and art), “Neon Carnival” and “Let Them Eat Cake.”
“It’s a place where people can just network and meet and have a good time,” Crane said.
In addition to planning these weekly fashion events and preparing for a slew of larger events over the next few months, Crane stays busy working on new collections and doing some freelance art and interior design on the side – he is currently saving up for a studio space of his own so he can expand his jewelry offerings (with the addition of soldering equipment, for example). His pieces can be found at Calypso, Bella Rose, Black Market and Mod Boutique.
“The Lexington art and fashion scene has great roots and foundation and is growing daily,” he said. “It is so exciting to be a part of it.”
We asked Crane a few quick questions about his art, inspirations and aspirations.
Describe your jewelry and art to someone who has never seen it?
My collections always have a nice balance between the masculine and the feminine – you could say it is either “boho-chic” or “romantic-glam.”
I love using natural stones and materials when possible, and I love hunting for vintage pieces and giving them a new life as well. My inspiration can come from anywhere, but mostly the strong women in my life have influenced my collections and designs.
Who are your favorite fashion and jewelry designers?
The late and great Alexander McQueen, Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Louboutin, Eddy Borgo – any designer who isn't scared to take risks and is a true artist inspires me. Strong characters inspire me.
Where do you see yourself in five years as an artist and designer?
I see myself getting my name out as a brand – a household name where I can expand into all the forms of creative design: art, fashion, accessories, shoes, bags, house wear and interior decor.