Artist statement

Disappearing brings awareness to a significant environmental concern caused by humans: fast fashion. Through the slow process of making a traditionally-inspired dress, I have intentionally challenged the concept of fast fashion. Before the Industrial Revolution (c.1760 – c.1840), clothes were often tailored to the individual and designed to last a lifetime, with care taken to repair them when necessary. Each skirt panel of sheer organza features hand-embroidered imagery illustrating the once laborious process of making a single item of clothing. The acts of sourcing the raw material, spindling, looming and sewing the garment are carefully beaded into the organza. The contrast of these opaque embroidered illustrations with the sheer dress implies that these sustainable production methods are disappearing. Shadows cast from the dress endeavour to remind the audience that contemporary society’s consumption of fast fashion has cast a shadow over the environment and we need to repair it.

Process

My artwork was entirely handmade by myself. Everything from the constructing the pattern, cutting out the fabric pieces, sewing - even the beading - was all hand embroidered.  Each embroidered image on the traditional dress outlines the complete dressmaking process, from sourcing materials, spindling, looming, and then finally sewing. The handmade process aids in conveying the meaning that slow fashion is disappearing. The uprise of industrialisation and fast fashion is severely impacting the environment and through my process, I am advocating for a return to slow fashion.

About the artist

My intention after school is to study and pursue fashion at the Queensland University of Technology.  With an innate appreciation of Visual Art, I aspire to apply my creativity, skills and knowledge to craft works that transform my dreams into realities.