Akira drawcard for Emerald Couture collaborations

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Iconic designers like Akira Isogawa and Nicola Finetti will team up with Australia’s well-known artists to create one-off garments for Emerald Couture 2010 in Sydney later this month.

Sponsored by Gregory Jewellers, this showcase follows the successful Born Again Couture event held earlier this year.

Emily Fitzgerald, Emerald Couture managing director, said she also intended displaying the showcase in New York after securing funding through a scholarship from the Martin Bequest.

The results of more than a dozen collaborations will be revealed on the night including works by Phoenix Keating, Mies Nobis, Parris Dewhurst, Susan Andrews and Elizabeth Eastland.

Isogawa has collaborated with first generation Chinese Australian Lindy Lee whose work can be seen at the National Gallery of Australia and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Finetti, who recently won acclaim for his show at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week (RAFW), has teamed up with artist Eduardo Wolfe-Alegria.

Meanwhile, Phoenix Keating, the grandson of Nigerian musician and composer Fela Futi, is collaborating with several artists including Elizabeth Eastland and Susan Andrews.

The event will also showcase work from other artistic disciplines.

A photo shoot of the garments is being completed at Sydney’s White Rabbit Gallery, a short film will be shown while art installations and light displays will be featured.

“We’re trying to create a new space to include fashion, but also art, while music will be a huge component in the showcase,” Fitzgerald said.

Performing on the evening will be music groups Guineafowl, MA and Jack Cowell & The Owls while Theo Fennell jewellery, favoured by Lady Gaga and model Naomi Campbell, will be a feature on the catwalk.

Fitzgerald, who is currently completing Honours at the National Art School, was previously a house model for the Issey Miyake salon in Paris.

Emerald Couture will be held on 30 September at 6,30 pm at the Cell Block Theatre at the National Art School in the Sydney suburb of Darlinghurst.

• by Dawn Adams via Fashion Source