POWERHOUSE MUSEUM: Future Fashion

To mark its 30th anniversary, the  Powerhouse Museum unveils a new exhibition from.the 30th June. Future Fashion, an annual exhibition spotlights the next generation of design talent featuring original works of graduates from fashion and textiles. Serving as a compass for the fashion industry, the exhibit highlights shifting ideas, concepts and sustainable processes embraced by top students from four Sydney-based fashion design schools.

The works being shown have been curated on the high distinctiimon achieved through story based concepts and high-level technical skills, and includes creations by, 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.