NODNOL ISSUE #2 NODNOL-Issue 2 | Page 44

PAINT ON YOUR JEANS In 2015, I read an article about Erin Feniger and her story that got her to start the Rialto Jeans Project (RJP). Erin was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease that makes her extremely sensitive to heat. As part of improving her lifestyle she cut down working hours, moved to LA and connected with the healing powers of creating art and the ocean. She had spent some time with her painter friend and found out: “I began painting after observing a local art- ist friend, and immediately felt the incredible soothing effects that painting, imag- ination and creativity could provide”. She observed how this friend, wearing some jeans whilst painting, let the paint get all over her jeans and a creative fashion com- pany idea was born? A part of the profit goes to children hospitals that are helping kids having the same disease. Her jeans are famous now. Jessica Alba, Oprah Win- frey and Gwen Stefani are just a few to name who love to wear her painted jeans. I took her idea and the whole “painting on your jeans” inspiration and started to paint on my own. This year I invited some friends to fol- low me and so we pimped up our jeans. 39