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.

 Blondes to Brunettes + RMIT Fashion Friendship present Sharlee Young & Jon Cordiano.

Blondes to Brunettes presents the current designer in residence, RMIT fashion design graduate, milliner Nikolina Kucan, and her featured installation ‘Fringe’.

Nikolina says, “the installation is an extension of my recent experiments with shape and form. As much as I strive to create aesthetically pleasing pieces, my work is as much about technicality and refining my method of practice.
With ‘Fringe’, a simple thing like removing a shape from a sculpted form moved the piece into new dimension. Challenging our own notions of the perceived silhouette as well as introducing imperfect perfection… Who would have thought that cutting into a intended shape would bring it so much life and exquisiteness.

‘Fringe’ for the Blondes to Brunettes + RMIT Fashion Friendship is a millinery realisation on a larger scale.

In her own words…

As a designer/milliner Nikolina hopes to impart the craftsmanship and quality synonymous to the great milliners of our time, as she acknowledges the need to preserve such traditions within contemporary headwear. Her millinery work is defined by her particular sense of beauty and a great love of hand crafts. Nikolina experiments with sculptural form and intricate textiles; inspiring pieces which are structurally defined yet evoke a sense of streamline elegance.
Nikolina Concepts was established in 2009, a millinery label based in Melbourne, where each contemporary headpiece is handcrafted in her studio.

Meg Kolac has arrived at Blondes to Brunettes.

More soon.

Juxtaposed alongside the dry brick are two images of work Georgia has done with ice blocks.  They’ve been placed in the accompanying light box in the salon window.

We’re preparing a few words on this amazing girl and her work. Watch this space!

Georgia Head’s installation is on display at Blondes to Brunettes, 479 High St, Prahran.