May 25, 2023 Image: Edwina Harding, IND, 2022. Credit: Bella Edstrom.
Powerhouse today announced the 30th anniversary of Future Fashion, an annual exhibition that spotlights the next generation of design talent emerging from fashion and textile courses at some of Australia’s leading fashion tertiary institutions.
Opening 30 June 2023 at Powerhouse Ultimo, this annual showcase draws attention to the shifting ideas, concepts and sustainable processes embraced by top students from four Sydney-based fashion design schools. Highlighting distinctive story-based concepts and high-level technical skills, the exhibition includes works selected from collections developed by four recent graduates, Cate Caldis (Fashion Design Studio TAFE NSW, Ultimo Campus), Jason Clark (University of Technology, Sydney), Edwina Harding (Whitehouse Institute of Design) and Holly Villagra (Torrens University / Billy Blue College of Design).
Reflecting the influence of the Australian fashion industry on the cultural and creative industries sector, this year’s exhibition will also feature designs by notable alumni, including Dion Lee, Toni Maticevski, Michelle Jank, Claire Tregoning from P.E. Nation, and Lyna Ty from Song for the Mute. Iconic pieces from the Powerhouse collection include Dion Lee’s Look 39 from his Fall 2020 collection and an evening gown designed and made by Toni Maticevski for the 2011 Powerhouse Museum International Lace Award.
‘Since the first exhibition in 1993, Future Fashion has continued to embody the Australian fashion industry’s responsiveness to significant social and cultural trends. This exhibition demonstrates Powerhouse’s continued focus on supporting Australian designers at pivotal stages of their careers,’ said Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah.
‘The students’ original textile prints and designs are some of the highlights of this year’s display. From hand-painted artwork for a hydrangea print and Garden of Eden-inspired snakeskin embroidery to the bold applique of football jersey numbers on an evening gown and the delicacy of silk garments dyed with plants and herbals, each student’s work is testament to the schools’ fostering of self-expression and experimentation.’ said Future Fashion curator Glynis Jones.
POWERHOUSE LATE: FUTURE FASHION
On 13 July 2023, Powerhouse will be presenting an evening dedicated to the designers featured in Future Fashion as part of its Powerhouse Late program. Highlights include hands-on workshops, artist talks and a design-focused panel discussion with Cecilia Heffer (University of Technology, Sydney), Holly Villagra and Edwina Harding.
Future Fashion Students
Cate Caldis – Fashion Design Studio, TAFE NSW, Ultimo Campus
Jason Clark – University of Technology Sydney
Edwina Harding – Whitehouse Institute of Design
Holly Villagra – Torrens University Australia – Billy Blue College of Design
Australian Fashion Alumni from the Powerhouse collection
Michelle Jank
Dion Lee
Toni Maticevski
Claire Tregoning – P.E. Nation
Lyna Ty – Song for the Mute
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MEDIA CONTACTS
Cara Lopez | cara.lopez@maas.museum | 0438 147 097
About Powerhouse
Powerhouse sits at the intersection of arts, design, science and technology and plays a critical role in engaging communities with contemporary ideas and issues. We are undertaking a landmark $1.4 billion infrastructure renewal program, spearheaded by the creation of the flagship museum, Powerhouse Parramatta; expanded research and public facilities at Powerhouse Castle Hill; the renewal of the iconic Powerhouse in Ultimo; and the ongoing operation of Sydney Observatory. The museum is custodian to over half a million objects of national and international significance and is considered one of the finest and most diverse collections in Australia. We are also undertaking an expansive digitisation project that will provide new levels of access to Powerhouse collections.