Image 6After months of creativity and hard work, this year’s Central Ten Wearable Art Awards was presented by Central Craft on Saturday 26th October. It was a very special night with every entry shining bright up there on the Araluen Arts Centre stage.

Congratulations to the award recipients for 2013 and all of this year’s entrants who put so much love and passion into their creations! Congratulations too for all the brave and bold models and performers at the wearable art awards show who told the story of the incredible works of art by the creators.

The Fine Line presenter, Jen Standish-White had hoped to have some of the award winners here in the studio today, the 5th November 2013, to talk about their creations, however, she didn’t factor in that today is Melbourne Cup Day – so not only is it ‘the race that stops the nation’ – ‘it’s the race that has almost scuttled today’s program’ of ‘The Fine Line’ winning over our award winners who have frocked up and are at the races!

Today, of course, is a landmark day in fashion design – the first Tuesday in November, with the Melbourne Cup and the Spring Carnival Fashions on the Field, which gives milliners and designers the chance to showcase their craft.

Image 5The history of this design event is fascinating.

Last year was the 50th anniversary of Fashions in the Field, which began in 1962 as a way to woo more women to the races. It worked and it quickly captured people’s imagination. It was not however, embraced by all with criticism by some that “it was too much nonsense, and there should be more attention on the horses”.

It has had its controversial times none more so than in 1965 when English Model Jean Shrimpton wore a one piece shift dress which was (shock and horror!) four inches above the knee AND caused additional outrage because she did not wear an accompanying hat, gloves or stockings! However, the spotlight on textile design as part of the Spring Carnival really began that year and has remained ever since.

Broadcast: Tuesday 5 November 2013 at 12 noon on 8CCC Community Radio 102.1FM

Producer:   Jen Standish-White