The Ethics of Style is an exhibition that explores the relationship between sustainability and wearable art. Curated by Sigrid McCarthy, the aim is to highlight the notion that sustainable fashion can engage in creativity while also being functional, stylish and aesthetically pleasing. The exhibition is in keeping with the ethos of the Nillumbik region where the gallery is located – a region with a long history in valuing sustainability.
The Ethics of Style exhibition, sponsored by Mei + Picchi, commences at The Light Factory Gallery on Thursday 20 June and runs until Sunday 21 July 2013. During this period, six fashion illustrators will be exhibited at the gallery – Michel Canetti, Kerrie Hess, Christine Pan, Angie Rehe, Caitlin Shearer and Edwina White.
Accompanying these illustrations will be the sustainable creations of three Australian fashion designers – Gemma Anastasiou, Rachael Cassar and Joseph Jang. Each fashion look will act as a sculpture displayed in the gallery space and will demonstrate varying sustainable techniques. These techniques include the use of recycled fabrics and garments, and also alternative dye methods such as the heat bonding of fresh petals. The exhibition endeavors to explore the relationship between aesthetics and ethics, and ultimately, to demonstrate that good design and ethics can very easily coexist.
Gemma Anastasiou’s fashion designs are based around the values of the Slow Fashion movement, whereby there is a return to a heightened awareness of the entire design process. Rachael Cassar, a leader in sustainable couture, challenges herself by upcycling and creating cohesive ‘sustainable ranges’, without compromising style and design for environmental friendliness. Similarly, emerging designer Joseph Jang creates avant-garde pieces out of recycled denim, proving that beauty can be found in seemingly redundant garments.
The official opening, sponsored by Naked Range Wines, will be held at The Light Factory Gallery on Sunday 23 June, and will be a chance for the general public to meet the artists. Associated events include a refashioning workshop run by Peppermint Magazine’s Contributing Writer Leeyong Soo on Saturday 20 July, which encourages people to refashion their old garments and create new upcycled wardrobes. There will also be a fashion illustration workshop run by artist Angie Rehe on Saturday 27 July.
What: The Ethics of Style – Sustainable Fashion Exhibition
Where: The Light Factory Gallery, 21 Brougham Street, Eltham VIC
Ph: 9439 1206
When: Thursday 20 June – Sunday 21 July 2013
Opening hours: Wed – Sun 11 am – 4.30 pm
Opening drinks with artists: Sunday 23 June 2 – 4 pm
Refashioning Workshop: Saturday 20 July
Fashion Illustration Workshop: Saturday 27 July
