Brisbane-based artist Isabelle Cameron took home the ‘Supreme Winner’ trophy at this year’s Australian Wearable Art Festival, at a gala night held on the Sunshine Coast.
Cameron’s crochet piece titled ‘Dear Babushka’ - entered into the ‘Floriana’ category - ultimately took home three prizes. As well as the Supreme Winner, she also won the Floriana category and was one of four artists chosen to be featured in the Textile Fibre Forum magazine.
Her work competed alongside 37 other national and international wearable artworks.
“'Dear Babushka' is a love letter to my Ukrainian heritage and the happy childhood moments I spent with my Babushka in her garden,” Cameron said. “I wanted the look to draw anyone back to childhood nostalgia.”
Cameron said the large lily flowers on the headdress, coupled with the purple and yellow colouring, are both a tribute to her model who is a proud intersex woman.
“It was really important for me to share her pride and story because a lot of the time the 'I' in LGBTQIA is overlooked. Stephanie also shares Ukrainian heritage as well so the traditional ‘vinok’ was also significant to her.
Judges Bethany Cordwell and Fifi Colston said that of the 38 entries in the festival, Cameron's work stood out for weaving subtle narrative into sculpture forms that transcended genre.
“We were absolutely blown away with the creation and construction of Isabelle’s incredibly colourful floral garment,” Colston said.
“The absolute joy it brings to the wearer and the audience is evident, as well as being a heartfelt creation made with so much love.”
Participants are based globally and internationally, including Poland, Germany and the United States. The festival includes four main categories: Trashion, Sustainable Nature, Floriana, and Avant Garde.
Australian Wearable Art Festival will return in 2024 with dates set for August 9-11.