A group of seniors concerned about the environment has created a stunning fashion collection that’s set to wow audiences when it hits the catwalk as part of the Sustainable Fashion Festival, which kicks off in Busselton in November.
The festival will include a packed programme of sustainability focussed events in the town, starting on November 1 with a world record-breaking attempt at the longest-ever catwalk over water (3.6km!).
Preparations for the event began 18 months ago in Busselton, when many diverse community groups were invited to participate through creative textile arts projects that focus on recycling and upcycling existing garments. The seniors from Capecare Dunsborough created a collection titled “Banksia”, which is inspired by their concerns around climate change and the impact of decreasing rainfall on local native flora in the region.
Their collection will be showcased at the runway show on November 8 at Churchill Park Hall. It’s just one of many collections to feature during a week of shows from international, interstate and WA designers.
Project leader and Creative Director of the Sustainable Fashion Festival, Dr.Zuhal Kuvan Mills, said the group represented the so-called “Silent Generation”, born between 1928 and 1945. “They are the parents of Baby Boomers and are also known as “The Builders,” she said.
“They’re the generation who literally and metaphorically built Australia after the austerity years following the Depression and World War II. We are honoured by their keen and enthusiastic participation, and their work on this textile art project over many long months will encourage and inspire younger generations in sustainability and environmental protection.”
Busselton models: Phoebe Marinich and Sarah Clarke
About Sustainable Fashion Festival (Eco Fashion Week Australia)
2024 will be the fourth time the international festival of sustainable fashion arts has taken place. It will bring together fashion enthusiasts, designers and sustainability advocates from Australia and around the world in a packed programme of events, set against the stunning backdrop of WA’s South West region in Busselton and Perth.The festival will provide a global stage for designers to present fashion in the new age of the Anthropocene, a term used to describe an epoch shaped by the impact of human activity on climate change.
The Sustainable Fashion Festival 24 will present ‘Closet of the Anthropocene’ to showcase the collections of 52 international and Australian designers and diverse community groups, who source sustainable materials and textiles to create unique pieces.
More information: www.ecofashionweekaustralia.com
Contact:
Dr Zuhal Kuvan-Mills
Eco Fashion Week Australia
Ph 0407 479520
zuhalkmills@gmail.com
About Capecare
Capecare is a unique organisation dedicated to providing aged care services to Australia’s South West. Independent and not for profit, it was registered as an association in 1961 and opened in 1969 with a centre built on land donated by farmers from Karlgarin. Capecare has served the local community for over 60 years.
More information: www.capecare.com.au