Art and fashion are set to collide on the runway this week, the first taste of what’s to come at next year’s Australian Wearable Art Festival.
Runway Art will bring together acclaimed fashion designers, wearable art masterpieces, designer workshop stations and fashion parades at the Imperial Hotel, Eumundi on August 31.
The renowned Peter Dwyer, senior academic of the prestigious Whitehouse Institute of Design and previously fashion design head of Karl Von Busse Institute of Design, will co-present with Cindy Vogels, acclaimed fashion designer to the stars.
“I draw inspiration from what’s on-hand, thrown out, recycled or just plain fun and I’m always looking for materials that have a sense of authenticity, have their original features or unexpected characteristics,” Mr Dwyer said.
One work that may be partly created on stage on the night is made from discarded shade cloth.
“The strip of cloth was found with the original fastening straps and huge industrial eyelets for passing ropes through. Immediately I saw these features as a neckline and by passing a new rope through the existing casing, I could gather up the strip into a dynamic ruffle.”
“I have a studio full of other strange prototype experiments and exciting ’materials’ not previously destined for the body. I am looking forward to bringing some of these pieces to life in Eumundi.”
Best known for her work as a contributing designer for Lady Gaga, Cindy Vogels’ pieces are all meticulously handcrafted and she has a special interest in slow fashion or works that are ethically created.
“I love working at this unique intersection of fashion and costumery and I am particularly excited to see that next year’s event will have sustainability and ‘trashion’ categories where people will need to think creatively about working with reusable materials and how a garment might last over time,” Ms Vogels said.
“In the Runaway event we will be looking at how everyday materials and recycled materials can be used to create something extraordinary and how we can push the boundaries of fashion into the realm of sculpture.”
Ms Vogels will also be showcasing a much anticipated new work entitled Lady of The Light, an exploration of how certain fabrics respond to black light.
Six local artists – Yanni van Zijl, Faith Tawhai, Karen Jones, Larissa Salton, Lucy Yule and Kait Manchip – will have designer stations on the night where they will be working on individual headpieces as well as displaying their own wearable art works. Pendragron Shoes will also display their wearable art footwear in a static display.
Runaway Art will be on 31 August from 6.30pm at the Imperial Hotel, Eumundi.
Tickets cost $38 and includes a complimentary drink on arrival with nibbles and then a cash bar throughout the evening.
To find out more or to book visit horizonfestival.com.au/event/runaway-art
