Gorgeous garments on show at Toi Pōneke

1 February 2007

Gorgeous garments on show at Toi Pōneke

FABRIQUER: cloth and clothing is an exhibition by five Wellington-based fashion designers for four days only next week at Toi Pōneke Gallery, Wellington Arts Centre.

The artists will explore the collision of fine art and functional clothing with works that include conceptual drawings, writing, fabric and finished garments.

Simulacra and Simulation is the title of Miranda Wellings’ 2007 winter collection, inspired by philosopher Jean Baudrillard’s deconstructive methods of analysis from his same-titled work.

“The simulacrum is a copy of a copy that has become so dissipated in its relation to the original that it can no longer be said to be a copy. I have responded to this idea by producing sophisticated and slouchy garments that conceal tops within tops and skirts within skirts.”

In 2004 Alexandra Owen created a low-profile, self-titled niche label that has been picked up by Scotties and other high-end boutiques. In FABRIQUER Alexandra will preview her Autumn/Winter 2007 collection that features tailored garments of a darkly spun aesthetic.

Julia Thompson’s Garment as Object suggests a change in the experience of dressing, by allowing wearers to shape their own garments. A recent graduate from Massey University’s Bachelor of Fashion Design, Julia wants “to evoke the constant process of change.”

Another recent graduate of Massey University, Rebecca Ward examines the integration of art into fashion.

“It is through fashion that I chose to explore my creativity. I see fashion as fine art and clothing as kinetic sculpture. The essence of my work derives from my interest in collage and perspective and how they work together to create a visual aesthetic.”

Textile designer Rachel Brown’s collection, miss brown encompasses designs that start off as small, hand-drawn patterns that she photocopies and enlarges through collage in order to create mosaic-style designs.

“I love the textile and home décor styles of the 1950s, and I try to emulate them in my own work. The hand-made process enables me to maintain a link with that era through both method and style.”

FABRIQUER: cloth and clothing opens on Wednesday 7 February at 5pm at the Toi Pōneke Gallery, Wellington Arts Centre, 61 Abel Smith Street and runs until Saturday 11 February.

ENDS

© Scoop Media