Bloomin’ Fabulous Runway Series – Part 2

We recently hosted our second instalment of Bloomin’ Fabulous at the Bicentennial Conservatory in Adelaide Botanic Garden. If you missed out on this exploration at the intersection of queer fashion and all things botanical, you’re in luck. We’re revisiting the runway with each instalment including three different makers with their respective artist statement.

Craig Shrubsole

Moss, Gown for Lilith

My blooming fabulous creation has evolved from my love of terrariums and the subtle beauty of the mosses and the delicate ferns that grow in them. I see my favourite colours and textures in the fragile fresh growth of the ferns and moss. The new growth appears so fragile and delicate. We can see innocence and vulnerability as they grow. They exhibit beauty, resilience and strength despite their delicate environments they thrive in. A mythical representation of Adams first wife, banished from the Garden of Eden, and branded in shame for not complying or obeying him. I hope that my Lilith portrays a strong beautiful character and who’s beauty aligns with independence, strength, vulnerability and courage. The fragility and delicate nature of the gown represents our ability to thrive and showcase glamourous strength in our ability to trust and be who we are. Lilith’s amour consists of 22 metres of tulle, 20 metres of Honeycomb paper, 15 metres of organza and kilos of ferns.

Tim Bromley

Daisy chain, overalls

I took inspiration from “Miracle of the Rose”, a book published in 1946 by queer French author Jean Genet.  He spent many years in prisons as a child and an adult.  In isolation in his cell he would dream and envisage the subjects of his desire, the thieves, murderers, pimps and criminals, as adorned with, and deified by, chains and shackles that transformed into flowers.

Jackie Wurm

Tropical florals, vintage dress
With assistance from Helen Calabretto & Gemma Oswald

I was inspired by the Darwin sunset frangipani my partner Ray planted, as that’s the town where we met.  It is yet to bloom – in pink with orange – one of my favourite colour combinations. Apparently, the colour is intense on opening and mellows as the flowers age. I wanted to upcycle something and staying with the tropical theme, chose my 1960s vintage maxi dress featuring pink hibiscus with orange stamens. Talk of my favourite colours sparked a reference to the ‘sunset’ lesbian flag, loosely informing the colours of the gloves complemented by a hibiscus headdress. Creativity, community, fashion.