Please Dress Matilda

As we have mentioned, we really need your help to make the Convergence Fashion Parade a success.

We have the auditorium, photographer, models and music but only 49 attendees have so far  indicated that they will be providing garments for it! We need you to bring your creations to make this a fabulous night of fashion.

You don’t need a complete outfit to participate. Remember that accessories are the key to fabulous dressing so please bring your scarves, bags, hats and wraps. These will all create amazing looks for the catwalk.  There is no limit on the number of pieces you can enter into the Fashion Parade so pack plenty as the more pieces there are the bigger and better the event will be.   Don’t be shy, this is your fashion night so be part of it.
We really don't want to hear those dreaded words "my stuff's not good enough".  So be confident in your creations; you will be so pleased you participated when you see your things out out on the catwalk.
 You can model your own garment or have it paraded by the models that we will be providing. 

Matilda will be so pleased to have something to wear.

Meet Carole

Some of us recently did a workshop with Carole Redlich  a talented textile artist who now lives in Alvie, Victoria.  (Previously she lived here in WA and used to work at the Thread Studio).

Carole's "Shadow Lands"  workshop was all about creating sculpture from fishing lines and translucent plastics -

One of Carole's intricate translucent sculptures

Yes, it's the exact opposite of felt, but of course we immediately spotted Carole's stunning felt jacket -

Turns out Carole is a keen felter and loves to create in this soft dense opaque medium too.   

Jacket Detail



She's recently been exhibiting some of her felt wearable art creations and has kindly shared the following pictures with us -

Outback Tracks

Outback Tracks jacket detail

Red Rocks Reserve Dress

Felted Flowers Jacket

Felted Flowers Detail

Cut Back Shawl Detail

Wedding Vest

Looks like next time we will be booking a felting workshop with Carole.  She's an experienced machine embroiderer too and combines these techniques as you can see, to make some amazing garments.

Carole says "My work is always developmental. I grow with every new piece I make, I love the stimulation, and challenge of creating a new piece of work and the agony of resolution. I have exhibited widely and love teaching and sharing with others. My workshops are diverse and entertaining, covering a wide range of topics (experimental stitch, felting, wire jewellery, pattern stitching and laminating plastics to name a few!). There is always a new adventure around the corner and a new red herring to follow"!

We had great fun in her Shadow Lands workshop and have no reservations in recommending  her as a tutor.  Her website www.caroleredlich.com  is not operating at the moment but if you want to get in touch with Carole email her at  carole.redlich@aapt.net.au.

Please Dress Matilda

Our model - Matilda has nothing to wear to the Convergence.  Can you help dress her?

Matilda is one of the models appearing at the Convergence Fashion Parade but we are worried that she may have absolutely nothing to wear.

We have the auditorium, photographer, models, music and lightshow but so far only 49 Convergence attendees have indicated that they will be providing garments for it! 

So please bring your beautiful garments and wearable art for a spectacular night of entertainment with your work on show at this fashion event.

You can model your own garment or have it paraded by the models that we will be providing. Professional photographers will be taking pictures of the catwalk show and a CD of the event will be available for purchase at a nominal cost at the end of the Convergence.  

We need you to bring your creations to make this a fabulous night of fashion and to dress Matilda of course!

South West Fashion - Art to Wear Organic Fashion

The show is over.

Photo Toni C

We hope you enjoyed our fashion show. We certainly had fun and loved creating all the felt that you have seen on the beautiful models. 

A big thank you to all the gorgeous girls, to the hair and makeup artists, to our wonderful photographers - Toni C and Lyn Pix, to the Bunbury Felters for creating the garments, to Kerry Gelmi for organising us and to the fabulous team at Southwest Fashion Festival .  We couldn't have done it without you.

South West Fashion - Art to Wear Organic Fashion

Every good fashion show ends with a finale of bridal or evening wear and ours was no exception. 

This beautiful evening dress by Genevieve Snare who designs under the label Ingenue, is enhanced by a sculptural neck piece created by Kerry Gelmi.

And on these cold winter evenings a warm out layer is required.  Another dress by Genevieve Snare under the label Ingenue covered with this glamorous cloak by Val Hornibrook. 

All photos Lyn Pix

South West Fashion - Art to Wear Organic Fashion

This gorgeous nuno scarf is by Val Hornibrook

As you can see this piece is large enough to truly transform the classic black dress which is what the power of good accessories is really all about.

The precise lines illustrate Val's skill.  They are not easy to achieve as we felters know all too well.

All photos Toni C

South West Fashion - Art to Wear Organic Fashion

The winter season is now upon us and the mornings and evenings are definitely cold so this dramatic coat is just what we need.

Photo Lyn Pix

It's by designer Lorraine McArthur who is a very talented felter and produces lovely smooth even felt. 

Photo Toni C

Photo Toni C

Lorraine is also extremely good at working with colour as you can see.

Photo Toni C

South West Fashion - Art to Wear Organic Fashion

Here's a fabulous nuno scarf by felt designer Val Hornibrook.

Geometrics make everything pop don't they.

All photos Toni C

South West Fashion - Art to Wear Organic Fashion

According to Vogue Italia we are to look out for a new trend  - the details collar.  This collar, made of felt of course, was created by Jacqui Gibson.

Photo Lyn Pix

Photo Toni C

It is designed to be worn around the shoulders to transform plain tops and dresses.

Photo Lyn Pix

Photo Toni C

It is formed from layers of merino wool and silks and decorated with glass beads and silk cord.

Photo Toni C

South West Fashion - Art to Wear Organic Fashion

There's just one photo of this wonderful coat so we've enlarged it as much as possible so that you can enjoy.

Photo Lyn Pix

The designer is Darriel Palfrey-Jones and she tells us it is made from a combination of merino wool from Sals Wool Den, throwsters silk and silk worm pods and Nancy Ballesteros' merino wool. (You'll be pleased to know that both these suppliers are in our Traders Hall so you'll be able to make a coat like this yourself!)

It has a luminous quality doesn't it?

South West Fashion - Art to Wear Organic Fashion

Now a red silk nuno felt scarf by designer Kim Pearce.

All photos Toni C.

South West Fashion - Art to Wear Organic Fashion

Staying with an animal theme for the moment, look at this amazing butterfly inspired cape.



Photo Lyn Pix



Photo Lyn Pix

 This exceptional art to wear piece is designed by Jean Braund.

Photo by Toni C

The detail is amazing.



Photo Toni C



Photo Toni C

And the all important back view is just as precise.

Photo Lyn Pix

South West Fashion - Art to Wear Organic Fashion

Look at this coming towards us on the catwalk.

Photo Toni C

Animal prints are so on trend but this red nuno leopard top by designer Val Hornibrook gives it a new dimension.

 

Photo Lyn Pix



Photo Lyn Pix

South West Fashion - Art to Wear Organic Fashion

This outstanding belted jacket created by Darriel Palfrey-Jones.

Incredibly wearable and warm it really is the perfect jacket for autumn.

Check out the felt bag seen clearly from the rear.

All photos by Lyn Pix