‘Opulence and Excess’ by Jon Cordiano and Sharlee Young is currently on show at the salon as part of the Blondes to Brunettes + RMIT Fashion Friendship: 365 Days of Design by RMIT Fashion Design Students.
We asked Jon and Sharlee to say a few words about the thought process that went into designing this magnificent piece, and here is what they had to say…
“We wanted to embrace the idea of working as a duo, by combining our personal interests and themes explored through Studio work this semester; ideas associated with ornament and decoration came up, united with a shared love for accessories.
Our concept aims to explore and communicate the superficiality that is often associated with fashion; by referencing the overindulgent Baroque period, as well as the excessive extravagance of the 1980s.
The main focus of the window is an over-embellished mannequin. The figure reflects how ‘it’s all in the mind’ as the head is the focal point – adorned with found and discarded objects. The figure is covered from head to toe in a full black body stocking – alluding to a disregard for the truth of the inner self. This idea of transparency is further conveyed as the black opaque fabric against the body is revealed through incomplete panels and pieces missing in the garment/crinoline cage.
We have used scrap metal and other found objects, which have been sprayed in eye-catching metallic colours, in an endeavour to create a window rich in detail, rich in colour and intriguing to passers by. The mood pallet is: gold, to represent power and status; pops of 1980s highlights for contrast and visibility; and black to represent the mask and the shadow which it casts.”
Immerse yourself in the opulence and excess of Jon and Sharlee’s world by visiting the Prahran salon or joining our Fashion Friendship online community.
We look forward to meeting you.
