From op-shop finds to a Taylor Swift masterpiece

A TAYLOR  Swift-inspired bodysuit created from secondhand necklaces has found a place in this year’s Artfully Repurposed exhibition at Queenscliff Neighbourhood House.

The piece was created by 19-year-old Suzanna Mavromihalis, who is exhibiting her work for the first time.

Inspired by the exhibition’s focus on reuse, she deconstructed op-shop necklaces to create a detailed replica of one of the pop superstar’s Eras Tour outfits.

“Because the exhibition is Artfully Repurposed, it’s about upcycling stuff that already exists,” Susanna said. “I thought it’d be a cool idea to use necklaces from op-shops, take them apart and create something new.”

To bring the piece to life, Suzanna and her mother Jaimie scoured op shops across Queenscliff, Ocean Grove and Point Lonsdale in search of colourful beads.

The exhibition has become something of a family affair, with works by three generations of the Mavromihalis family on display.

Alongside Suzanna’s beaded bodysuit are upcycled denim creations by her mother Jaimie, a handmade doll by her grandmother and a wooden toy truck crafted by her grandfather.

Suzanna, who is taking a gap year before moving to Ballarat to study physiotherapy, said the bodysuit was her first major textile project.

“I’ve always done art but it’s mostly drawing,” she said. “I’ve done a bit of textiles at school, but this was really the first proper beading project I’ve ever done.”

She said the process reinforced the value of reusing existing materials and showed how discarded items could be transformed into something new.

Now in its third year, Artfully Repurposed features artists transforming fabric, found objects and discarded materials into new creations.

The exhibition runs until July 12 at Queenscliff Neighbourhood House.