Fashion

Kylie Melville and Lydia Thorold

Kylie Melville and Lydia Thorold chose an untitled work by the Russian-American artist Mark Rothko to inspire their designs and wanted the dresses to be artworks in their own right.

The dresses were designed with the Spring Racing Carnival in mind. 'The creations had to be glamorous but we didn't want long gowns', said Kylie. 'We wanted them to be racier ... I'm a fan of the bell-shaped silhouette and we really wanted frills and a layer effect. The bodices are plain and fitted and do not compete with the skirts.

'We chose the artwork by Mark Rothko for the colours and lines in the painting', said Lydia.

The first step was to put their ideas onto paper. Using the abstract as a guide the pair designed a mélange, a confusion of textures and colours that would be the basis for the bodices. The colours and wavy lines would be replicated in the skirts.

Using their designs they then developed the fabrics, made the patterns, cut the materials and assemble their artistic creations. Kylie and Lydia also designed the head pieces to complement the dresses again using the painting for inspiration.

About the designers

Kylie enjoyed textiles at school and chose fashion as a career. She has entered a number of industry competitions and has met famous designers. 'In the long term I would like to start up my own independent label and design street wear.'

Lydia tried several careers before deciding on fashion: 'I started the course in 2003. I have really loved it a lot and found the teachers really supportive. I want to work in the industry as a pattern maker for a while and to have my own label one day.'

Jaye Wearne

Jaye Wearne is one of Box Hill Institute’s fashion students. Studying with Media, Design and Arts, Jaye created a number of award-winning designs.

Jaye chose Monet’s ‘Waterlilies, 1916’ to inspire her creation for the Spring Racing Carnival as part of the 2005 Victorian TAFE Student Designer Awards.

The French impressionist’s painting depicts waterlilies floating on blue water. Jaye wanted to capture this scene in her design of a colourful and feminine dress.

Jaye used an electric-blue, shot silk chiffon for the main part of the frock. The material appears to change colour depending on which way you look at it, just like the water. The lilies floating over the dress are hand made fabric flowers with Swarovski crystals.

Jaye and her Monet inspired innovation won a prestigious fashion fellowship worth $10,000. Jaye will be travelling to Italy in 2006 for two weeks work experience in a famous design studio.

Another of Jaye’s creations was entered in the Australian Masters of Fashion Competition (Gown of the Year) 2005. In the ‘Picture Perfect Designer Award’ section Jaye had to take inspiration from a style icon from the past and who better to choose than Grace Kelly.

A vintage clasp from a broken necklace formed the inspiration for the red carpet look design. Made from double-sided silk satin it also featured a crinkle silk chiffon train and hand made melange panels. A hand made mohair felt cap finishes off the design.

Jaye has a natural flair for fashion and from an early age would buy op-shop clothes and alter them to her designs. 'Originally I wanted to start my own street-wear label, but now I’m more interested in couture and specialised garment pieces.'