Designer Catherine Kelly of Success.
Camera IconDesigner Catherine Kelly of Success. Credit: Supplied/Matt Jelonek d454599

Success’ Catherine Kelly takes out youth award at Common Threads Wearable Art Showcase

Bryce LuffFremantle Gazette

A COSTUME inspired by a book and nature has netted a Success resident an award at the 2016 Common Threads Wearable Art Showcase.

Catherine Kelly scooped the Youth Award in front of more than 800 people at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre for her piece The Secret Garden.

The competition, which featured creations from across the world, called on designers to create something extravagant, provocative or revolutionary.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Catherine’s piece was certainly something new.

It was adorned with chiffon flowers, floral lights, dry-felted birds and painted butterflies on a natural wicker-weaved nest-like skirt.

The bodice consists of a floral, fish-boned corset with detailed flossing, while the hat is a recycled sombrero cut and sewn with flexible curves.

“I probably would say it took about 50 hours in total but when you are creating something that you enjoy, you don’t really notice the time,” Catherine said.

With an eye on the future, the 15-year-old is currently studying fashion and textiles at TAFE.

Following that, she wants to study costume design at WAAPA or university.

“My dream is to become a costume designer,” she said.

Italian artist Lisbeth Wahl won artist of the year for her garment Set Your Light Free.

The garments will be on display at Contemporary Art Spaces Mandurah from June 3 to July 3.