Art & Film

Absorb’s latest short fashion film collaboration showcases the SS11 range by Aussie designer swimwear label We Are Handsome. Get ready for a vivid, polychromatic montage of 80’s film and television references, lots of glitter, and some seriously cool swimsuits. Can you believe it was shot in the middle of a Westfield shopping centre using mobile phones? Check out the film and these awesome images from the shoot by James Nash.

Today marked the opening of the RMIT Student Exhibition at the No Vacancy Gallery, as part of the MSFW Emerging Designer Series. The exhibition titled 3 ¾, puts the spotlight on the designs of 16 talented final year RMIT students, who have the opportunity to present their own experimental, theoretical and abstract expressions of fashion and design.

Rather than showcasing the final product of fashion design in the form of garments in a collection, the exhibition celebrates the entire design process, emphasising the need to challenge the ‘conventional’ representation of fashion. Students were encouraged to experiment with a range of design processes, which are documented in the spectacular installations, animations, images and sculptures on display at the No Vacancy Gallery.

It’s clear these students know their stuff; just listening them explain the purpose of their remarkable works was inspiring, let along having the opportunity to experience first-hand, the sheer merit of their work. You will be hard-pressed to find a group of students as passionate about their craft as these budding fashion designers.

Alana Hersh’s design statement titled, ‘Textilis’ explores the amalgamation of architecture and fashion from 2D to 3D, in the form of a stunning silk/organza installation.

“I’ve used a range of techniques such as weaving, crocheting, pleating, braiding and knotting to discuss the idea of decoration and surface, and to determine whether decoration is superficial or if it can be embodied,” she said.

Those who question the substance of the fashion industry and fashion design as a trade, will most certainly be proven wrong upon viewing the incredible student exhibits. It is obvious that hours upon hours of painstaking labour, planning and speculation have gone into the development of the 16 creative displays, of which are all stunning representations of fashion as an expressive medium. Perhaps the exhibition helps explain the paradox of the frivolity of the fashion industry, through the attempt to encourage individuals to engage with fashion in a new and different way.

Student Meghan Hutchens explored this very notion in her exhibit titled ‘Fashion Image’. Through a series of images and stills, Hutchens unpacks the fashion process to demonstrate the crucial stages of the design process. From conceptualization, to interdisciplinary collaboration and communication, she explores the notion of fashion as, “everything but the garment.”

The MSFW RMIT Student Exhibition gives students the unique opportunity to not only present their inimitable works and designs in a public forum, but to also test their individual design concepts for their potential to create a collection in the future. This is a free event, open to the public from Tuesday 6 September to Sunday 18 September.

Melbourne Street Fashion is a proud supporter of the Spotlight MSFW Emerging Designer Series. To celebrate our support of the Emerging Designer Series, we're giving away two double passes to two MSFW 2011 runway events. But be quick, the prizes are held on Friday and Saturday!

Words: Christie Sinclair

My Boyfriend’s Unreal is the first film project for Melbourne fashion label Upper Left Arm, released as part of the No Home project in Melbourne in March 2011.

While No Home encouraged the collaboration between local designers and film makers, Upper Left Arm’s charming short saw local designers Jac Eddy and Kasia Tons jump into the directors chairs to produce the fashion film on their own. The result, a playful and endearing depiction of a teenage love story, inspired by the imagination and lust of youth.

Exploring the theme of awkward adolescence from the label’s debut clothing range for Autumn/ Winter 2011, ‘Wag it’, the film captures the naive and funny moments of teenage lust both real and/or imagined. Harmony Byrne captures the adolescent inspiration of ULA’s designs brilliantly through her role as the romantic juvenile lead, her cheerful grin and spirited air resonating with the youthful attire.

Eddy and Tons demonstrate their raw aesthetic style through the filming, colourful make-up and accessories which melds perfectly with the backdrop of beautiful music by Brunswick musicians Oscar + Martin. This quirky story about a girl and almost a boy certainly gives context to the label’s signature designs.

Directors: Jac Eddy and Kasia Tons
Producers: Jac Eddy and Kasia Tons
Cast: Harmony Byrne and Lachlan Beggs
Music: Oscar + Martin (represented by two bright lakes)

Are you a local designer or filmmaker interested in joining Australia’s national fashion + film project?

No Home is currently calling out for independent creatives to express their interest in participating in the fashion and film revolution in 2012 at nohome.tv/collaborators.

Screening around Australia in 2012, No Home fashion + film project launched in 2011 to start a revolutionary conversation about fashion, as well as interaction between consumers and the fashion and film industries. While film has long incorporated elements of fashion, the direct unification of both mediums is relatively new. No Home creates a platform upon which fashion can become the center of film, encouraging design and filmmaking talent to express their creative ideas in alliance.

Last year saw outstanding collaborations between some of Australian’s most talented emerging designers and filmmakers, including Streetfash's own Orri Henrisson with Liam Gilmour, VIRR with Nicolo Boanchino & Mark Trzopek and Upper Left Arm. There were also contributions from international parties Athena Procopiou and Scott Altman, and ACNE and Daniel Askill.

Successful designer and filmmaker submissions will pair with their creative counterparts to bring to life a short film, working together to direct the project from start to finish. No Home is also asking for interest from actors, stylists, hair and make-up artists and photographers to assist in a collaborative capacity with the production side of the filmmaking process.

To express your interest in participating in No Home 2012, head to nohome.tv/collaborators before 15 September 2011.

Words: Christie Sinclair

Orri Henrisson's first fashion film First Snowfall in Montreal is a collaboration between the label and Melbourne filmmaker Liam Gilmour. The fashion film was first released as part of No Home in Melbourne in March 2011.

The film depicts a timeless and barren wasteland and a fractured narrative of two characters portraying vastly different emotions, whose lives intersect, all be it briefly. The film attempts to show the power of image as opposed to linear storytelling, specifically focusing on light and the hard contrasts it presents.

Learn the art of Fashion Illustration from scratch, or take your Illustration talents to new levels, with boutique-style Fashion Illustration classes at The Patsyfox Drawing Salon.

Teeny tiny classes taught by Angie Rehé, creator of the Patsyfox illustrated blog and lecturer in Fashion Design and Illustration at RMIT University and the Whitehouse Institute of Design.

The next 8-week courses begin on April 19th (Introduction to Fashion Illustration – covering all the most important principles of Fashion Illustration), and April 21st (Creative Fashion Illustration – an ongoing advanced level which continually expands and builds on your existing skills).

These unique classes are held in the creative environment of Fashion designer Nevada Duffy’s studio/retail space in Fitzroy.

Learn, be inspired, have fun.

Enquiries: salon@patsyfox.com
More info: www.thedrawingsalon.com

TRIMÄPEE’s FALL 2011 fashion film 'Birth' is an incredible collaboration between the Melbourne label and renowned Australian fashion photographer Christian Blanchard and Filmmaker Steven Protuder.

The film focuses on creating a beautiful serene mood and utilises amazing post-production effects. TRIMÄPEE’s FALL 2011 Collection “Umbilical Ventriloquial” is inspired by birth. From the intriguing way an offspring grows and feeds, to the uncanny bond which is shared; TRIMÄPEE explores the physical connection vs. the innate connection between mother and child.

With a team of over 30 people, the cast and crew bring to life an amazing interpretation to the minds and concept of the TRIMÄPEE designers.

Learn Fashion Illustration from scratch, or take your illustration talent to a new level, with boutique-style Fashion Illustration classes at The Patsyfox Drawing Salon.

Teeny tiny classes taught by Angie Réhe, creator of the Patsyfox illustrated blog (www.patsyfox.com), and lecturer in Fashion Design and Illustration at RMIT University and the Whitehouse Institute of Design.

The first 8 week course for 2011 begins on February 15th (Introduction to Fashion Illustration) & 17th (Creative Fashion Illustration - ongoing advanced level).

Classes held in the creative environment of Fashion designer Nevada Duffy's studio/retail space in Fitzroy.

Learn, be inspired, have fun!

Enquiries salon@patsyfox.com More info www.thedrawingsalon.com

Welcome to the new Streetfash!

As you know, over the years we have made it our mission to promote and improve awareness of young, independent and emerging fashion and to encourage communication and partnerships within the industry. We're proud of the success we've had doing so, and its awesome now to be able to let you you know about the next step in that journey.

Streetfash now publishes three editions focusing on fashion, art and beauty: the main edition Streetfash, Melbourne Street Fashion (Melbstreetfash for short) and Sydney Street Fashion (Sydstreetfash for short).

For those of you running businesses, we’ve made it super easy for designers, retailers, bloggers and freelancers to connect with readers through the Directory. You'll need to sign up, your profile will gain you access to our media and marketing campaign information and link you to the rest of the Streetfash businesses community.

Because we believe in creative fashion and individual style we are always on the hunt for what is new and exciting. That means we welcome your feedback, thoughts, ideas and general love. Get in touch via our Community or on Twitter: we’re always lurking there but know that you are too.

We’ll be on holidays until 10 January soaking up the summer rays in time to bring you plenty of Streetfash for the new year.

@streetfash
@melbstreetfash
@sydstreetfash

ps: Standby also for our top secret Streetfash LIVE edition we will be unveiling in January next year.

Photo by Max Sanderson

Light, dark, colour: it's all captured in Sarah's evocative illustrations and we love her even more because we can proudly say she's from Melbs.

If you haven't caught on to her illustrations yet in Yen, Semi Permanent or Australian Creative then you need to keep reading.

Sarah creates elegant striking and provocative illustrations with a harmonious combination of traditional and mixed media techniques. Her works are a delicate balance of light and dark thick and thin and play off broken lines and bold splashes of colour.
We love Sarah you should too.

Genna Campton is an illustrator that Melbourne needs to know about. She likes chocolate and is from Sydney but don’t hold that against her, she’s crossed the border and now calls Melbourne home.

What makes Melbourne special?
I moved to Melbourne from Sydney just over a year ago....and I'm very much still in the honeymoon phase. Melbourne is exciting welcoming creative and not afraid to try new things. I also love that I can ride my bicycle nearly everywhere.

What were you like as a child?
Creative. My sister and I used to spend hours making clothes for our barbies painting and baking for our family. My mum taught us to sew at a very early age. Lets just say I'm a much better illustrator than a seamstress though.

If you could be on the cover of any bands CD/LP who would it be and why?
Maybe the Cure it would be fun to do an illustration inspired by 'The Lovecats'. Or a soundtrack to a Wes Anderson film. I love the aesthetic of his films so to do any artwork for his projects would be amazing.

Magazines or Blogs?
For me they serve completely different purposes. Magazines are a treat that I look forward to on a monthly or bi monthly basis. It's a great feeling having a fresh magazine to pore over, read and reread. Plus artwork looks much better on paper than on screen. However blogs allow a daily fix of information and inspiration.

Vanilla or Chocolate?
Chocolate for the taste and Vanilla as a scent.

Words: Phoebe Montague
Images: Genna Campton

There is much to be said about the ‘slashie’. You know… model/actress comedian-slash-writer or socialite-cum-designer/singer/actor/Botox experiment (the kind that spawned a revolution of injecting arse into face). Interestingly, the very notion of melding trades has become the norm and the idea of the ‘expert’ has transcended into a mish-mash of professions: a slushie if you will.

Whilst they might have a bit of a bad rep since the term gained notoriety (circa 2001 with Zoolander) the slashie as a reputable career move has undoubtedly seen success. We only have to think about Kylie Minogue Sarah Murdoch and (ahem) Joaquin Phoenix. Enter Nina Waldron: artist/illustrator/designer. The talented young thing has been drawing since she was a child. What began as block letter headings and pictures of pretty girls with eyelashes and high heels became - at the tender age of 13 - male prostitutes and serial killers (slashies on a whole other level).

“I suppose based on other’s reactions it can be described as tweaked and not suited to be hung in a child’s bedroom. I like to think that my unattractive friends are almost adorable pitiful but loveable ” says Nina of her art which depicts peculiar characters in beautifully intricate detail.

Fresh out of VCE and with aspirations to study Fine Art at the VCA Nina primarily occupies her time in arty endeavours. She most recently carved her beloved characters onto wood to make brooches and unisex necklaces - positioning her in the realm of entrepreneur with pieces available at Melbourne boutiques such as Corky St Clair.

As far as inspiration goes Nina has plenty of it. Residing in Melbourne - home of the gothic streetscape and the kooks that amble in them – means that “the creeps of the world inspire me.” Perhaps this is the catalyst for Nina’s pursuit to view her slightly disturbing yet charming illustrations emblazoned on the t-shirts and dresses of the hip and trendy - a curious combination of the bent and the budding.

In an attempt to garner support from art enthusiasts and curious cats alike Nina says “Check out my blog dawg.” It’s a quirky and hilarious insight into her world although some may question the recurring goat references. “My parents called me a goat when I was little for some unknown reason” Nina explains. “Dad used to always say ‘Goooaaat-ahhh’ like I was a footballer or something. Recently I decided to embrace the persona. I also think that goats are generally mischievous and slightly unnerving.”

Whether you choose to call Nina an artist/illustrator/designer or animal of the horned variety one thing is for sure: the girl has skill and not the kind you see on shows like Australia Can Dance or So You Think You’ve Got Talent – you know what I mean.