Drawing inspiration from a historic item from the National Trust collection, design students are invited to create a garment or accessory of their own, for the chance to win a cash prize and the unique opportunity to be a part of the new major exhibition, Back to Black.
Wearing black is laden with cultural meaning, from suggesting chic elegance to mourning a loved one. Historically most often associated with mourning, black was also a special-occasion selection for formal wear, receiving visitors, or for going out on the town.
The fashion for black in the 1890s morphed into the little black dress from the 1920s flapper era to the 1950s New Look. Black has been an enduring staple of a woman’s fashionable wardrobe ever since.
Drawing from the National Trust’s dress collection, the objects on display in Back to Black span more than 100 years. They include well-known designers – both Australian and international – alongside examples made in the home or by unknown, skilled dressmakers.
Winning garments will be awarded a cash prize (First prize $500, two runner’s up $250 each).
Excitingly, winning entries will also be displayed alongside the inspiration garment in the Back to Black exhibition, on display from 24 May 2024 – 10 November 2024 at Old Government House – a significant UNESCO World Heritage-listed site visited by thousands of people each year.
Entries close at 3pm Sunday 12 May 2024.
Inspiration Garment
Short Cape (pictured below).
Late 19th Century. Silk, glass, metal.
Beaded short collar cape worked in jet bugle beads to black silk ribbed/serge. With gathered lace covering a stand-up collar edged with a looping braid. The lower part of cape is finished with a deep gathered band of black lace. The inside is lined in fine black silk with a support ribbon to top neck with hook and eye closure. The garment has a label: R Beardall, 232 Oxford St, Regent Circus, London.
The inspiration garment is on display at the TAFE Ultimo Campus Library until 12 May 2024.
