EDITH Cowan University’s visual arts students recently put on a fashion parade showcasing their experimental talents.
Attended by more than 500 people, the parade displayed the work of twenty-four designers with more than 200 garments.
Textiles students utilised the modelling services of around sixty dancers and performers from the WA Academy of Performing Arts in addition to twenty friends who volunteered to take part.
Lighting and sound services were donated and multimedia screen projections added further visual interest to the event.
The star of the evening was young designer Gemma Edwards whose unconventional styles captured the audience’s imagination.
Ms Edwards’ designs included a thermo-heated wraparound skirt made from polyester organza fabric and a stretch plastic top that had been photo silk screened.
Her colour themes for the parade were predominantly orange, black, charcoal and white.
“I do a lot of print work and get images from photocopies or photographs,” Ms Edwards said.
“The images are mainly of buildings and egg noodle packets.
“I also like to use a lot of puff paint and latex.”
Some of the more daring creations were bare down the side and held together with clips from schoolbags.
“I’ve had a lot of people notice my work when I’m in nightclubs and there has been a big demand for my bags,” she said.
“I’ve only got one more unit until I complete my bachelor of visual arts and would like to start up my own label .
“I’m going to put my head down and sort out the fine details over the next year and will hopefully have it up and running by 2001.
“I’ll be trying to sell some bags to a few funky shops around Perth in the coming year, but if I can’t sell them there, I’ll join up with some friends displaying their work at the markets,” she said.
Another fashion display by ECU visual arts students is currently underway in the painting sheds near the main carpark until 12 December.
