C210/08
28 July 2008
22 August – 10 October
The work of Perth fashion designer and Curtin University of Technology Fine Art graduate Megan Salmon will be showcased at the upcoming Looking Out exhibition at the John Curtin Gallery.
Opening on 22 August, Looking Out will feature key contemporary Western Australian fashion designers whose work represents the dynamic and innovative nature of garment design in WA.
Megan said the exhibition will be a great opportunity for her to profile her signature traits that she has developed over her career.
“I am creating five outfits for the show that explore my favourite techniques and garment shapes without the constraints of production,” Megan said.
“These pieces are ‘one-offs’ and this allows me to really develop creative ideas. They are celebratory in feel as a consequence of being able to concentrate on just producing a beautiful garment.”
Megan emerged as a designer from her roots as a painter and says she has always been a keen observer of clothing. It wasn’t long before this desire steered her toward her current career.
“I started looking at the work of Japanese designers in my early twenties. Before that I was aware of the big European houses but it wasn’t until I took note of the Japanese and their innovation that I became really excited by the idea of creating fashion myself,” Megan said.
“I think that it was natural that my interest in clothing took over from painting. I would jump out of bed each morning to make some new piece of clothing. Exploring fabric and manipulating its properties with the use of dyes became an addiction.
“Ultimately I think I saw that I was able to combine a love of making clothes with the opportunity to create an income for myself.”
Megan has successfully positioned herself amongst the most highly regarded fashion designers of this country with a clothing label that brings together a passion for textiles, colour and a love of portraiture.
Fashion is a cut throat industry yet Megan remains a strong contender in an industry where only the fittest survive.
“The fashion industry is relentless with its deadlines and demand for quality. If you are not careful it is easy to let the whole thing run you into the ground,” Megan said.
“The constant battle of production does wear me down but essentially I am doing what I love.”
Megan is currently finishing up working on her winter collection for the southern hemisphere and summer collection for the northern hemisphere.
“At the moment I am particularly interested in embroidered floral prints with rich colours like crimson, scarlet and chocolate,” Megan said.
Megan provides powerful advice to those interested in working in the fashion industry.
“Develop your sense of style so that you can have a point of difference from others in the industry,” Megan said.
“It is imperative that you have high standards and a healthy work ethic because the industry will demand it of you. Above all remain true to yourself and create garments that you can be proud of.”
Looking Out is open to the public and entry is free. The John Curtin Gallery is open between 12pm and 5pm Monday to Friday and 1pm to 4pm on Sunday 31 August and Sunday 28 September. A symposium and catalogue launch is also scheduled for the 7 September.
Modified: 8 August 2008
