DUOStyle | Interview
Where did you get the idea for the Cinderella dress? The inspiration came from seeing the actual banner on a billboard while I was driving out to North Shore one afternoon. I thought to myself, ’I could make a dress out of this for the next Townsville Fashion Festival’ and just like that the idea was formed. This moment of creativity is always fun and unexpected… but of course it’s one per cent inspiration and 99 per cent hard work. After the idea came to me, I teamed up with photographer and artist Christina Papadimitriou and, with the assistance of a small art grant, we designed and created the dress. Also, because I like to nurture young people wanting to pursue a career in art, we conducted a wearable art workshop with local high school students to help create the piece. It’s an exquisite garment and it was so popular at the 2016 Townsville Fashion Festival that it was chosen to be the ‘finale’ piece at the runway event. People are drawn to the uniqueness of it being made from a vinyl banner promoting Townsville.
What motivates you to turn ‘trash’ into treasure? I’m drawn to experimenting and using different materials in my work and I spend a lot of time visiting recycle centres. I especially love the recycle centre out at Hervey Range. It’s not rubbish to me – all I see are endless sources of materials and creative inspiration! I’m like a kid in a toy store. I’ve used lots of different materials to make my garments – from recycled wire to tyre tubing, fishing nets and plastics through to VCR tapes, gutter guards and recycled cotton. If I can inspire people to create wearable art and fashion from different types of recycled materials, which also saves the planet a little bit, then that’s a good thing. To me, there’s nothing more beautiful than creating something from nothing. By themselves, the objects aren’t attractive but together they create a gorgeous garment and art form. >
The DUO January Cover Shoot Team
Dress Designers: Claudia Williams (llani Creative) www.llanicreative.com Christina Papadimitriou (Christina Papadimitriou Design+Photography) www.wearablearttsv.com
Photographer: Matthew Gianoulis Model: Alexandra Wenta (Sia Model Management) Hair: Cindy Walker (Ave Hair) Make-up: Kristin Martin
Watch the making of the Welcome to Townsville Cinderella Dress at www.facebook.com/llanicreative/videos/505038296368469/
DUOMagazine January 2017
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