The first time I met Liz Zibilich was on a glittery, hazy Fat Tuesday morning a few years ago as she was twirling around with our mutual friend inside the R Bar sometime after the Ste. Anne parade. She was clad in one of her many signature black-and-red fringe getups. (Black and red are the colors of Noisician Coalition, a local non-traditional marching band of which she is a prominent member.)
An imaginative spirit with a heart of gold (and purple and green), Zibilich, whose home-operated business is called Crafty Li’l Devil Designs, embodies the sort of creativity that New Orleanians are often known for – she makes things out of ordinary and unordinary objects, working on projects that include sparkly miniature hats, second-line umbrellas and dresses made entirely out of coffee filters. She collects trinkets and materials and does custom work year-round, though there are obvious spikes in demand during Halloween and Mardi Gras seasons.
This year when my own Carnival krewe’s dance team, the newly formed Krewe de Lune Star-Steppin’ Cosmonaughties, selected a theme (a highly interpretive one: “apocalyptic space warrior”) and a color scheme (black, turquoise, royal blue, silver … and glitter), Zibilich popped into my head as just the sort of person who could help me accessorize. We met over coffee and collaborated on a design; we decided that every 20-something apocalyptic space warrior, or at least this one, should sport arm cuffs accented with stars, moons and fringe. (Hey, if I’m going to be defending the universe, I better be doing so in style.) Zibilich sketched out a design, gathered her supplies – which included fringe fabric, black duct tape and a hearty plastic base – and got to work. Now I feel prepared to defeat the apocalypse, and at the very least, I’m prepared for 3 miles of dancing down the parade route.
Liz Zibilich is available for custom work and accessories year-round.
She can be reached at craftylildevildesigns@gmail.com.
DESIGNER SPRING COLLECTIONS
Saint Germain, The Shops at Canal Place, 333 Canal St., Suite 208, 522-1720
It isn’t just balls and books that can benefit from an autograph these days. On Fri., March 16, award-winning shoe designer Donald J Pliner will be making a personal appearance at Saint Germain, the designer shoe, handbag and accessories store in Canal Place. As well as signing soles, he’ll also be talking about his new spring collection at the only independent store in the country to stock his line. Owner Faye Cannon comments, “Try not to miss Donald and the party we’ll be having with him; but if you do, come on Mother’s Day to meet jewelry designer, Ray Griffiths and be tempted by his new spring/summer collection.” – Mirella Cameran
Cardiovascular Institute of the South
Cardiovascular Institute of the South, multiple locations, (800) 425-2565, cardio.com
With nearly 150,000 Americans under the age of 65 dying from heart disease each year, it isn’t just the elderly who need to be checked for heart disease. In fact, one out of every 20 people under the age of 40 has heart disease, and it’s still the number one killer of both men and women in the United States. In Louisiana, the prevalence of obesity and diabetes means that local communities are at greater risk. Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) is inviting people to get checked close to home through 13 locations in South Louisiana, including Houma and Lafayette and a new facility in Mamou. – M.C.
