House of Tarvydas
22 August - 10 October
curated by Anne Farren
House of Tarvydas will be a major survey of Ruth Tarvydas' work from her first collection in 1968 to the present. Tarvydas' career and significance to the local industry will be illustrated through the presentation of key works, images and media.
Ruth Tarvydas, 1984 Collection, Photographer Justin Smith 2006
Ruth Tarvydas, Vintage Love, photograph by Justin Smith
Looking Out
22 August - 10 October
curated by Anne Farren
Looking Out will present key contemporary Western Australian fashion designers whose work has an international focus as well as reflecting the dynamic and innovative nature of fashion design in WA. The exhibiting designers are: ae'lkemi, Aurelio Costarella, ericaamerica, Material Boy and Megan Salmon.
Alvin Fernandez (æ'lkemi)
2008 is set to be one of æ'lkemi's biggest with continuing growth on its already strong following in Europe, participating in Pret a Porter in Paris and launching new lines from the brand AE home ware. æ'lkemi's latest collection, 'Strangers on a Train' Atumn/Winter 08, epitomises a journey of love lost and found. This collection mixes old world opulence with visually seductive and playful surfaces and textures.
ae'lkemi, Strangers on a Train, Autumn/Winter collection 2008, photo: Gary Sandford
Aurelio Costarella (Aurelio Costarella)
Aurelio Costarella the creative behind Aurelio Costarella (ready to wear) and Aurelio Costarella Couture, launched in 2000, is earning a formidable reputation internationally as he turns his Western Australian based company into an international luxury brand.
His exquisite evening wear designs have been admired and worn by a plethora of international stars including Rihanna, Eva Mendes, Rosie Perez, Mia Maestro, Melissa George, Leelee Sobieski, Dita Von Teese, Jenna Jameson and Sharon Stone.
Aurelio's collections are a regular feature at New York Fashion Week.
Aurelio Costarella, Goddess Pant with Cloud Blouse, Winter 08 collection,
Photo: Di Vidos, Model: Emily C @ Chadwick
Erica Wardle (ericaamerica)
Welcome to our world. And it is a world.
For us ericaamerica is not just about clothing. It is an all encompassing alternative universe inhabited by the creatures of our imagination. A universe of rich textures, old world charm and unashamed masculinity. A world in which everyone from the birds to the men, preen themselves with lavish style and no stone is left aesthetically unturned. Captured and bought here to the gallery are a range of handcrafted objects from this world, each and every one created in the world that is ericaamerica.
Our World.
Welcome.
ericaamerica, Council of War, Revolt collection, 2007, Photo: Rob Grima
Mic Eaton (Material Boy)
Launched in Perth in 2003 by a brash young ex-pro-surfer Mic Eaton, Material Boy saw a meteoric rise which culminated in being named WA Fashion Designer of the Year in 2006.
Material Boy clothing is distinguished by its provocative approach to menswear which pushes the boundaries of male fashion. Mic Eaton describes the Material Boy design ethos as avant-garde and sights John Galliano, Bernhard Willhelm, Com de Garsons, Bless, Jessie Hill, Marjion Pejoski, and Adam Entwisle as his favourite and most influential designers.
The Material Boy collection 'Honey I shrunk the Boy' released for Autumn/Winter 2006 captured the attention of the Australian and international fashion world. It featured the now signature exaggerated silhouettes with oversized hoodies, and prints on low crotch drain pipe skinny leg jeans. A series of equally distinctive collections have followed: 'Level 19, Super Material Boy, 'A Vomit Affair', inspired by all things vomit and the Spring/Summer '08, Celebration of Your Inner Gay, which saw the Northern Hemisphere pay closer attention.
Material Boy, Celebrate Your Inner Gay Collection, Spring/Summer '08,
Photo: James Dimitri,
Model: Tane Andrews
Megan Salmon (dd by Megan Salmon)
As a fashion designer I explore very similar concerns to the disciplines I examined as a painter, being texture, form, colour and mood. My ranges are seasonal investigations of ideas that have evolved from my last body of work. Rather than following trends in fashion, I create a range that builds organically yet is sympathetic to general shifts and contraints in the fashion and commercial world.
As an Artist I have been trained to look at things in depth, to see potential in materials, to push boundaries of technical expertise. I believe in work that addresses innovation and craftsmanship and I am sympathetic to the concerns women have of image and body.
Megan Salmon, recon dress and jacket, 2008,
Photo: Megan Salmon, Model: Dempsey Stewart @ Viviens
