A whirlwind weekend in Melbourne saw a visit to two WOW Designers that I have spent time with in New Zealand but not on home soil. Firstly, Natalie Hutton of the label
Claudia Savage, winner of the Avant Garde Section at WOW 2018. I got to see these amazing pieces in the flesh - so excited was I by the spikes, the glitz, the silk, and the corsetry within my view - that my boots and I heffalumped over a pattern layout on her floor!
Mortification! I think I largely behaved myself after that, and managed not to maul the amazing pieces...
 |
| Echoplex, Goddess of Reverb, Avant Garde Section Winner, WOW 2018 |
Sadly, it was on the train back into the CBD that we learned of the attack on Bourke Street.
The next morning I met up with Sharon Bacchus at the NGV, designer of this amazing work based on hair follicles in the 2011 World of WearableArt show, and we nattered away for some time before I then went to see the
Designing Women Exhibition, where I saw my first Iris van Herpen design in the flesh!
 |
| Sharon Bacchus, Under the Microscope Section Finalist WOW 2011 |
 |
The Yarra River, on the way to the NGV
|
|
 |
| Iris van Herpen |
 |
| Comme des Garçon |
 |
| Outside the NGV, some fabulous moss in the water feature. |
 |
| Feature wall of upcoming Archaeology of Light Exhibition. |
Also at the NGV, I really enjoyed my travels through the European Art section, in particular seeing the Montmarte Boulevard by Camille Pissaro - having recently read 'Renoir's Dancer', about the life of artist's model and artist of the time, Suzanne Valadon, it had new meaning for me.
But I digress - the textile goodness began as soon as we hit the CBD, where we met up with Phyllis Hoffman (for those who follow the SvenJen/Bunneh adventures - the very first tutor we did a workshop with!) who was looking to re-home her smocking pleater, The Sally Stanley! How serendipitous! I had always wanted one. I saw Phyllis's post on Facebook that she was about to give it away, postage only. I was coming to Melbourne that weekend!! First stop from the Skybus was Southern Cross Station, where we met up for a bite to eat for the hungry travellers, a catch up on the years, and the transference of a magnificent machine.
 |
| Phyllis and I at handover! |
Phyllis also gave me the hot tip to visit '
Darn Cheap Fabrics' at Port Melbourne, so the following day I caught the tram out and and got myself this bit of lovely. After a big day of walking, I was happy to return 'home' and watch the Crown Casino fire display in our cute little balconette with some bubbles, of course.
Opposite our abode, and Batman Park, was this fabulous tram sculpture! On our final walk through SouthGate, we were intrigued by this ingredient at a Middle Eastern takeaway - so confident was the lady that we couldn't guess what it was, that she offered us a free coffee! Even after tasting, we couldn't guess - pickled turnip coloured with beetroot! So, so, salty!! So, so, pretty!
Melbz, I love you as ever, even though I didn't venture into your CBD streets this trip. However, I am not afraid - I'll do it again.
I love Australia....and Melbourne is such a fabulous city. Wonderful museums, great coffee, friendly people, cool shops, easy it is to maneuver...and how helpful people are when you get lost ;-) . Cold and snowy here in Michigan...wish I were back in Australia enjoying the warmer temps and sunshine.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what you create with your new smocking pleater. So lovely that Phyllis gave the pleater to you so that it will continue to be used. And, great that you and Phyllis were able to make the hand-off in person and catch up.
Thanks so much for your beautiful blog post and for sharing all of your delightful photos.