Geelong creatives shortlisted in We the Makers fashion prize

THE City of Greater Geelong’s National Wool Museum has announced 20 emerging designers who have been shortlisted for the $10,000 We the Makers Sustainable Fashion Prize for 2023, including three from Geelong.

The competition attracted more than 100 submissions from Australian and international entrants, with Geelong’s Lazarus Gordon, Jasmine-Skye Marinos and Emily Jane Rastas making the shortlist.

Judges described this year’s garment’s as innovative and committed to sustainability and ethical practise.

Geelong based designer Emily Jane Rastas said it was an incredible feeling to be recognised as a finalist for her colourful garment ‘Electric Avenue’.

“It’s so flattering to be a finalist, particuarly in the city that I live in,” she said.

“My personal style is very colourful, vibrant and involves having lots of clashing of patterns and colour… I certainly wanted to incorporate that all into my garment.

“Creating a genderless piece was another one of my main intentions and I used all upycycled and ethically sourced fabrics to bring it all together.

“As a member of Geelong’s creative community, I have experienced firsthand the unwavering support, inclusivity, and kindness that flows through the vibrant network of artists and creators.

“Creativity flourishes here because the community understands that we are stronger when we work together.”

 

Senior curator at the National Wool Museum, Josephine Rout said the response to the fashion prize had been phenomenal.

“It is clear from the breadth and depth of submissions that the next generation of designers, sustainability is no longer an afterthought, but is embedded within their practice.

“The finalists are leaders for change in fashion.”

Aligned with Geelong’s designation as a UNESCO City of Design, City of Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan said that the biennial event gave locals the chance to recognise Geelong’s ongoing role in the wool and textile industry.

“The city is committed to its UNESCO City of Design designation, and I take pleasure in announcing that this year’s winning garment will be acquired into the City’s Collection of Sustainable Fashion.

“We are building on the City’s legacy as a world leader in the production of wool and textiles and developing our design capabilities into the future.”

All 20 shortlisted finalists’ outfits will be on display at the National Wool Museum from June 2 to October 29, 2023.

The major winner will be announced at the opening ceremony event on June 1 and take home $10,000.

The UNESCO City of Design People’s Choice Award will also be presented, with the winner walking away $2,000 richer.

The shortlisted finalists are:

Jedda Bahloo– Melbourne

Samara Darling – Sydney

Amy Forbes and Caitlin Mullaly (Veils of Cirrus) – Melbourne

Baaqiy Ghazali – Melbourne

Jordan Gogos – Sydney

Lazarus Gordon – Geelong

Ruth Hadinjoto – Melbourne

Alicja Kuzmycz – Melbourne

Gakuki Ito – Niigata, Japan

Jasmine-Skye Marinos– Geelong

Lilli McKenzie – Melbourne

Steven Junil Park – Ōtautahi Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand

Emily Jane Rastas – Geelong

Reborn by Homie – Melbourne

Evie Rosa– Melbourne

Vida Straseviciute– Kaunas, Lithuania

Kate M Sylvester– Portarlington

Carol Yang – Melbourne

Eliz Yusuf – London, United Kingdom

Canwen Zhao – Melbourne