Thirteen years ago or so, my husband and I got dreaming over a cup of tea about bringing together our combined love of dance, theatre, fashion and textiles. Since then this idea has sat bubbling away in the back of my mind, the perfect daydream, as I’d sit working away at my embroidery machine.

Fast forward to just a few years ago when I met photographer Paolo Benini. Paolo and I were discussing the idea of working together, and the first thing that came to mind was this concept! Then when the opportunity arose to be a part of Melbourne Fashion Week 2018 it all unravelled into reality in only a matter of weeks.

Doing my best to keep up, this project has been a tremendous amount of hard work, mixed with pure creative enjoyment. I was able to relish in the freedom of experimentation with my craft, without the constraints of commercial consideration (a luxury not often granted in the challenging world of fashion and retail)! I was able to explore embroidery art and shibori dyeing techniques, to delve into millinery and tailoring, and to play with the art of costume design by crafting pieces that created movement and caught the light.

I have been lucky enough to collaborate with some of Melbourne’s most talented creatives, from many fields of ARTistry: Georgia Chapman, Robyn Black, Preston Zly Design, Rochelle Carmichael, Liquid Skin Dance Company, Benjamin Gauci, Andrew J Liu, Laura Kinross & Liana Pearl.

On set, when the photo shoot arrived, energy was high as the talented team came together for a day filled with experimentation, creative vision and laughter. We collectively gasped as the most magical moments were captured at the speed of the camera shutter. It was so rewarding to see these moments, that I had been daydreaming about for so long, come to life.

See the magic that was created that day and be part of the collaborative work that celebrates the art of fashion, textiles, photography and dance in one beautifully curated exhibition.

ARTISTRY MELBOURNE FASHION WEEK
4-8 SEPT, WHITEHOUSE INSTITUTE OF DESIGN 10AM-5PM
MONDAY 3rd SEPT, OPENING NIGHT PERFORMANCE BY LIQUIDSKIN & LIANA PEARL 6PM