Re-Inventionators: Resa McConaghy

Posted on by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Terminator robot choosing a wig

Welcome, all.   I’m excited to have another guest for the “Re-Inventionators” series where readers are sharing their personal stories about life-changes and the ways we (or some of us) reinvent ourselves in order to keep progressing through life.  Today my guest is Resa McConaghy.  She uses two blogs with street art and murals at “Graffiti Lux Art & More” and extraordinary gowns that she designs and makes from found and sustainable fabrics at “Art Gowns.”

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Before I hand this post over to Resa, the Re-Inventionator androids have gotten together to put on a fashion show in honor of her visit.  I made a slideshow of their preparations below.

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Resa put a lot of work into gathering, scanning, and putting into order the photos you’re about to see, to illustrate the path she’s about to share with us. Without further ado, I’m handing this off to Resa to tell you about some of the shifts, changes, and reinventions she has navigated.

Reinventing Resa

Toronto: On my way to college. No make-up, hair in a bun with a chopstick,
clothes 100% cotton and made by me. An au natural veggie who just
wanted to learn how to make patterns.

I enrolled in a college just outside of Toronto. The thinking was I might
as well get the best education if I was going to bother at all.
Turned out I was in a course that prepared us to be Couturier
Designers. The other students took one look at me and voted me the
first most likely to drop out.
So, I reinvented myself, with clothes.

I became completely obsessed with fashion, giving up much of my
nature child ways, but I’ve always remained a vegetarian.

Yes, there is art to fashion, but it is also a shallow place. Like the
other arts, it is a snobby world to penetrate.

Graduating with honours, I lost 15 pounds, and set out to get a
job as Canada’s Dior.
So, I reinvented myself as an anorexic fashion victim, who would
always look fabulous because she was so skinny.

GUESS WHAT?
There were no Couturier Fashion Designer jobs out there. Best I could
get was a job in a factory, or in retail.


So, I went to Miami Beach for a year with my musician boyfriend. His
band had an opportunity with a recording studio down there.

While there I began designing clothes for the band.
After returning to Toronto, I decided to make another go at fashion.

I reinvented myself as a soft touch avant garde knitwear designer.
One small hitch, I had no $$$.
I found a shop for low rent, and fixed it up. The floor was a disaster. I
couldn’t afford enough paint to paint it, so did a scribble paint art
effect. The floor got reviewed in the newspaper.

One day a producer came into my shop, and asked if I could help out
on a commercial shoot. I said yes!
I was amazed by how much money I made in 1 day. Commercials,
rock videos and film shorts (I had a different “me” look for each
category) all lead to film.

For film I came up with the – Hands on, hard working, often on set
Designer look. It was a satisfying, but stressful career.
I look at the above pic and see the stress and exhaustion on my face.
At some point I decided to begin a new reinvention of self that was
not in film, and more towards any personal dreams I had left.

I started my “Art Gowns” blog. Wrote a couple of scripts, and books
and gave myself a cool mature urban artist look.
I even tried one more blast at fashion, designing this cool little coat
jacket to sell online. Still, my heart wasn’t in it. I was too, far into my
“Art Gowns” and street art passion.

THEN COVID HIT
I retired completely from film, learned I loved being alone and wanted
the rest of my life for me.
So, one more re-invention.
The removed, grey haired, healthy veggie, funky put together with
leftover film clothes, somewhat removed from society, living in her
own world look.

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Back to Teagan

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Living in your own world?  Haha, Resa, it looks preferable to mine!  🙂   It was a delight to get a look into the worlds of your reinventions and your present world.  thank you so much for doing this post.  As a former seamstress, I always enjoy your Art Gowns and other discussions on fabrics and clothing.       

Thanks to everyone for reading.  Friendly comments are welcome.

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Naturally, the obligatory shameless self-promotion must be included.

Brother Love – a Crossroad

Strange things abound in 1950s Parliament, Mississippi.  Jinx the magpie can fill you in on the details.

Jinx on rotary phone next to "Brother Love - a Crossroad" on my Kindle.
Jinx on rotary phone next to “Brother Love – a Crossroad” on my Kindle — not an AI.

Universal Purchase Links

Kindle:  relinks.me/B07V25SXFR

Paperback:  relinks.me/107952309X

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No part of this work may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission.  Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.

All images are either the property of the author, or used with permission, or from free sources.

Copyright © 2025 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

All rights reserved.

221 thoughts on “Re-Inventionators: Resa McConaghy”

  1. That was amazing, Resa. I loved hearing your story and the images were mesmerizing. It’s really a wonderful thing to be self-aware enough to go through the process of reinvention. I think it also takes courage and trust. Thank you so much for hosting this post, Teagan. I feel honored to get this glimpse into our talented friend. Hugs to you both.

    Liked by 1 person

    2. Thank you, Diana!

      It’s a lot easier/faster for me to explain something combing text with images. Lol mesmerizing, then again, I was mesmerized seeing this condensed visual of that part of my life going by.

      Hugs back to you, Diana!

      I feel honoured that you read this and commented!

      Liked by 3 people

    2. Hello Layla,

      Thanks for dropping by, reading and for your lovely comment!

      The fashion industry has changed a lot over the last 25 years, and is still changing. Technology moves everything faster and faster. 🌹❦🌹

      Liked by 2 people

  3. What a journey this has been to learn more about Resa! So fascinating! Thank you, Teagan and Resa, for this window into her reinventions. Resa, to me, you’ve had an exciting life, even if hard times were sprinkled throughout. The photos are fabulous, and it’s always fun to learn more about friends here in blogland. Hugs to you both! ❤️💫❤️

    Liked by 2 people

    2. Lauren!

      Yes, it’s a journey. You are 100% right. I’ve had an exciting life. As a matter of fact some of the exciting times were during tough stretches. When you live in a world of creatives, one is exposed to a lot of intriguing people.

      Still, working with A list actors was a dream come true, and hard to to beat.

      It’s a wonderful thing that I get to share this with blog pals thanks to Teagan’s series on reinventing one’s self.

      HUGS xo🌹❦🌹

      Liked by 2 people

  6. Lately, I realise I’ve been missing out on many precious moments, especially this one! Thank you so much, dear Teagan, for sharing this beautiful and heartfelt post by Resa. It truly brightened my day to see her lovely face and read her inspiring story. Love you both! 💖💖🤗🤗🌹🌹👏👏🙏🙏

    Liked by 2 people

    2. Dear Aladin,

      I’m elated you came by, read this and commented.

      … And what a lovely comment you have posted. Thank you!

      I hope & trust you are doing well with your recovery!

      🌹💙🌟💙🌹

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Thank you for popping by and reading dear ‘Oron!

      Okay, this Reni hat madness of yours is out of control. Nonetheless, I will get one, and when I do I will be 110%. So there!

      Just got a new iron, and am back on track with your gown. The intersecting seams are looking fab!

      Liked by 2 people

        1. ‘Oron is lots of fun, and he is Funny. He also has a serious side.
          Hopefully his Art Gown will come out with that combination of grace and humour… I’m thinking Lucille Ball.

          Liked by 1 person

      2. Once you get the Reni hat then this “madness” ends and it no longer needs to be discussed. Just FYI but Brad Pitt keeps wearing one, so you’d be very CHIC with it, eh?

        Liked by 2 people

        1. Brad Pitt???
          Well, now I’ll have to rethink things.
          Step 1 – find a pic of Pitt in a Reni hat.
          What about Schwarzenegger? Does he wear one? Now that is the true meaning of CHIC. If he does then I’m back in.

          Liked by 2 people

              1. LOL. Yes, I made it. I really had to work to get it to use that style of hat. I’ve been making Re-Inventionator androids all day — for the next two posts coming down the pike. My Night Cafe page is going to look like I’m obsessed with robots (because it takes so many tries, and rewriting the description, before I get something close enough to what I want). Fun though!

                Liked by 1 person

  8. This is the third time around for me, Teagan!! Your “Re-Inventionators” series is absolutely brilliant—and this spotlight on Resa is nothing short of amazing. Resa’s life story is stitched with daring transformations, fierce artistic purpose, and an astonishing creative drive that shines through every phase she described. From fashion obsession to film sets, her journey reflects a boldness that inspires reinvention in all of us.

    Knowing Resa’s background as a renowned costume designer for film and television adds yet another powerful thread to this narrative. Her ability to shape characters through wardrobe now seems part of a deeper personal mastery: reshaping herself again and again with style, imagination, and grit.

    Thank you for giving Resa’ story a platform, and for curating such an honest and uplifting series. These glimpses into real reinvention remind us that every version of ourselves has something to teach the next.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Ahh Rebecca!

      You are a most eloquent speaker. (with a twinkle) “life story is stitched ” – love it!

      Yes, Teagan came up with a cool idea here. I’m #3, and I’m not sure how many she is doing. There’s a lot of fab blog buddies out there.

      Of course you make a perfect point in that I’ve used the medium of clothing to articulate many characters over the years. When I think about it, it was instinctual to use it on myself. In that sense wardrobe/what we wear is a life tool.

      One thing for sure, it’s always been me at the core, under the clothes. Hugs!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. It’s good to see you, Rebecca. I’m happy you could visit with us.
      I have a Re-inventionator android strolling with Shakespeare — I haven’t forgotten your writeup.
      Yes indeed, reinvention takes imagination and grit (and style is a big help), which Resa showed in abundance. Hugs.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Trent!

      I often thought of the words ” in the long run
      There’s still time to change the road you’re on”.

      The road is a lot shorter now, but I still think that.

      Liked by 3 people

  12. Wow! I really enjoyed hearing this autobiography of Resa! I found her experiences in the fashion and costume designing world to be really interesting, especially in light of reading her wonderful book, “Nine Black Lives.” I think that it can help to change one’s appearance as one goes through different transitions in life. I’m glad the anorexic-model phase didn’t last too long; being hungry is really awful (I know from experience!). Thanks for sharing, Teagan 😊💜

    Liked by 2 people

    2. Thanks Ada!

      It’s wonderful of you to come over, read and comment!

      I did want to be Canada’s Dior, but film was pretty great. I must say that working for American film & TV companies was a superlative experience. I’m forever grateful.

      Being hungry sucks. So many on the planet are hungry. We are fortunate ones!

      xoxo🌹❦🌹 You are a doll, Ada!

      Liked by 2 people

  13. I enjoyed this brief photo autobiography of Resa. I knew a little bit of her past, but not the various reinventions. It was great to see and read this photo essay. She’s extraordinary! Thank you for this, Teagan. I love your book photo with magpie and that great phone!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi, Merril. Thanks about the book promo. Jinx, the magpie, has an important part in the story. He was fun to write.

      Resa did a lot of work gathering and scanning her photos. I didn’t ask for them, so it was a wonderful surprise when she chose to present her article this way. Thanks for joining us. Hugs!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Hello Merril!

      Yes, a photo essay, perfect. It’s easier than describing everything in words.

      Thank you Merril! I think you are extraordinary. 💙🐈‍⬛

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi Robbie. I agree that Resa was very modest in her write-up. However, she kept it to the point of these posts, which is the life changes or reinvention of oneself, rather than a resume or traditional bio.

      Thanks for visiting. Hugs.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Robbie!

      Thank you for your kind words! It means a lot coming from you. I’m thrilled you caught this post.

      You must be back. I’ll visit you tomorrow! I’m excited about the pics you took.

      ❦🌹❦

      Liked by 1 person

  17. I’ve always loved Resa’s Art Gowns, and of course her street art posts, but I never really knew who she was, so thank you for this lovely share, Teagan and Resa! I dreamt of becoming a fashion designer in my youth, so I love her designs, and all the life reinventions, I can relate!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Oh, that’s cool — I had the same youthful dream, Tiffany. In my teens I was constantly drawing my own fashion designs. I made some of them too. Actually, I kept the sewing part into my 30s (but didn’t draw anymore). Anyhow, I’m delighted that you enjoyed visiting with us. Big hugs.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Seems a lot of young girls had fashion design on their minds.

        You’d have been a great designer, Teagan. You are so creative. Your writing is fabulous, your ideas for colabs and your images… your singing..egads!

        Thank you for inviting me on this adventure!

        Hugs!

        Liked by 2 people

    2. Aww thank you Tiffany!

      Teagan came up with a cool idea. Her reinventions series is most intriguing.

      Well, you didn’t end up a fashion designer, but you sure ended up being one heckuva fabulous artist. I think your art is brilliant. ❦🌹❦

      Liked by 2 people

  18. Oh, my goodness, what a Re-Inventionator you host, Teagan! Resa is a wonder woman I admire so much! Gorgeous photos, dahlin. Your beauty shines through in every single one! Hugs to both girls! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

    Liked by 2 people

    2. Hugs back to you, Dahlin’ Marina!

      I’m thrilled you read this article. I was a bit nervous at first, but I’m feeling good about the “reinventions of self” now.

      ZOOM! What was that?

      That was all my selves going by.

      xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

      Liked by 2 people

  19. I don’t know how I missed this post, Teagan/Resa. I will certainly blame WordPress because there is no notice. But, I found it through a social media post and I am so glad I did.

    Teagan, this series has been so interesting. Resa, I was fascinated reading this post. I think you’ve always lived in your own world, or at least you’ve live in the world on your own terms. Thank yo so much for sharing your fascinating story.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. No worries, Dan — besides, it’s only Thursday. (Admittedly, it’s one of those weeks when time feels wonky to me.) I liked your phrase “live in the world on your own terms.”
      This series is work, but I’ve really enjoyed presenting these posts. LOL, and making goofy android pictures. I intend to continue the series for an indefinite time — for as long as it’s fun.
      Resa went to a lot of trouble for this one, and I appreciate it. Thanks for visiting with us. Hugs.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Hello Dan,

      I miss many posts and comments. WP is a bit wonky, gremlins and what nots.

      Hey I’m still working on the reblog for tomorrow morning. I’m so slow. Yes, I think you’re right, it’s been my world on my terms, as much as possible. Now that you mention it, I believe I always intended it. Still ………

      Thank you for reading and this lovely comment!

      Liked by 2 people

  22. Hello Gorgeous! You made it big time Meece , if any one could do it , it’s you. I love the photos , you worked so hard and it did payoff. Look at you! Living your best life with so many wonderful and not so wonderful memories. I admire you so much…thank you Teagan, this is one great idea. I love this! 🤗❤️

    Liked by 2 people

    2. Thank you dear Holly!

      It has been an interesting time. It’s crazy to think that … well …it’s like I went from Tobacco Road to Hollywood, in a metaphor.

      You mean a lot to me. I’m so happy you are here. I’m working on the reblog for tomorrow, and am close to finishing the second drawing for our series.

      Adore you to the moon!

      xoxoxoxoxo

      Like

        1. Lol…no I don’t think so. Where is it? Lol.. I might have been living there and didn’t know. 😂 Nothing but the best for young struggling artists.
          I wish I would have know you then!
          Yes, let’s do Tyler… I might not start it right away, but it’s good to have it in my mind. I never know what inspiration hits me next.

          You know, when the band starts playing, I go and do what I feel.
          xoxoxo❦🌹❦xoxoxo

          Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you dear John!

      I adore you, and have recruited the help of oxen herding dogs to guide a large herd over to your home. You might want to warn Twiggy and Tempeste!

      Liked by 2 people

  26. I am very impressed with some one willing to work that hard to stay relevant in her chosen profession. Kudos to successfully navigating that path and excelling. Many would have said Screw it, enough already.

    Liked by 2 people

  27. Dear Teagan,

    This is a lot of fun. Your robot fashion show is both clever and hilarious.

    Thank you for inviting me to participate in your series on reinventing one’s self!

    It does give a person an opportunity to reflect upon a specific section of one’s life. I suppose as a designer, reinventing is a given constant. I mean, designing by its nature is reinventing.

    Okay going to check out more comments, and once I have a grip on my latest Glam post, I will reblog this on Art Gowns, most likely on the weekend.

    THANK YOU! 💐 HUGS!

    PS(Don’t know why I thought this was tomorrow. Must be the heat. I went for a 1 hour walk that turned into a 3 hour walk yesterday, and I am discombobulated from the heat.)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The heat is creating mass discombobulation, Resa. You aren’t alone.
      Anyhow this post was absolutely my pleasure. You’re definitely a hit!
      Ooo… I’m looking forward to a new Glam post from you.
      Thanks for fielding comments — I know you’re busy. Take your time. I might not do a weekend post, so you have time. I’ve been a little under the weather with the physical effects of anxiety and asthma, so I could use a weekend break.
      Hugs winging back to you. Chin rubs to Misha.

      Like

  28. Love your journey, Resa! Shows our heart needs to be there and smiling about the crayon decor. Good idea!

    Liked by 2 people

        1. Thank you, Teagan!
          It’s true, after all I was a teenage runaway and worked my way through college.
          Yes, many pickings up off the floor, but the good fortune was that there were opportunities out there, and some people who liked me.
          Lol, some of the things I did trying to get my first film design job!

          Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Jan! I like what you said about – adjusting our sails -.

      Hmm, I made a coat out of an old sail once. That is some strong fabric. 🤗

      Liked by 2 people

        1. Yes, but I had an Elna back then.
          Solid cast steel body, no plastic parts except the pattern discs, high shank and the needles were solid steel (no with metal filler).

          You could anchor a ship with that machine!

          Liked by 2 people

  30. Thank you, Resa and Teagan for a fascinating journey! I just subscribed to the Art Gowns blog. One of my delights is looking at (or coloring) what I call Pretty Lady Dresses. happyhappyhappy

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks Tim! xx

      This has been a fun adventure with Teagan.

      Boy… that anorexia haunted a lot of my life.

      I over bought into the saying “You can never be too rich or too thin.” Maybe I thought if I got skinny enough, I would get rich by osmosis.

      Liked by 2 people

        1. That’s true! Somehow I got sucked in. I got down to 85 pounds when I lived in Miami. I thought I was gorgeous.
          The sick thing is many women would stop me and fawn over my thinness, saying they wished they were that thin.

          Liked by 2 people

          1. Agreed, Resa — that’s the sick part. Once my psycho ex-husband started demanding that I should weigh half of whatever his weight was. I pointed out that he usually couldn’t even keep his weight as high as 145. Yes, people are sick AND stupid.

            Like

          2. In my dancing days in the 70s, my partner was of good German stock. Tall, lean, and buxom. I weighed 140 pounds. She weighed 150 pounds. I used to pick her up over my head. I used to be strong.

            Liked by 2 people

            1. There’s nothing like good health!
              Well, the cosmetic onslaught continues. Twiggy went out (but that skinny thing is still around) BUT the Beyonce/Kardashian figure became the ideal.

              I know some girls who got butt implants, breast implants and lip implants.
              What’s next?

              Liked by 2 people

      2. Resa, things that get that deeply into our minds (and weight issues whether “plus” or minus) seem to cut into the soul) leave scars forever. The person into which you’ve evolved was no accident — you deserve credit for every battle you fought. More hugs!

        Liked by 1 person

  33. Wow! Resa has made or reinventation a way of living, and I love this post. I had seen some of her posts in both of her blogs, but now I understand how she got there. Fabulous. Thanks, Resa and Teagan (oh, and I love the androids fashion show as well)!

    Liked by 3 people

  36. I loved Resa’s fascinating autobiography about her creative journey and the various photos.

    I can only thank you, dear Teagan, for allowing me to get to know her a little better.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi, Brian. They really are terrific designs. But this is Resa’s journey, not mine. I intend to do a post about myself, but I have to figure out a safe way to present it. LOL, maybe it can just be a steampunk fantasy post. 😎 Thanks for your support. Hugs.

      Liked by 1 person

  41. Just wow! A faboulous look behind the scenes of fashion an industry notorious for being difficult to get into..I am going to forward this post and Resa’s blog to my grandaughter who is currently studying at leicester Univeristy in Fashion and Design…Thank you ladies a superb post and images 🙂 xx

    Liked by 2 people

    2. Oh, very cool Carol! I hope your granddaughter gets some inspiration from this post and my Art Gowns blog.

      I do believe in passing on, and have mentored 2 young women into the film industry. One is now designing and the other assisting.

      Thank you!

      Liked by 3 people

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