Gravity.

Materials, geometry, printing and optimisation are all elements of the fashion industry that are inextricably interwoven with science and mathematics.

In creating the two bespoke items for the accompanying spread, designer Elissa Koutsotheodoros (who graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Fashion Design and Technology), highlighted two facets of the links between these fields.

Elissa explained that, “The Kimono Bride Design is an example of a ‘zero waste’ garment. By using a specialised cutting technique, we use the whole piece of fabric, with not a scrap going to landfill. We use the small, normally waste pieces in the lining or design features.

The second dress design pictured, titled ‘Heal’, is symbolic of the devastation of the Gippsland fires, and our community resilience and determination to recover. The silk was scorched, then Elissa lovingly mended the damaged areas with Swarovski crystals, which are representative of water drops.

The burning of textiles has a deeper root in the fashion industry, and Elissa shared that, “Designers burn fabric to confirm the fibres that were used to make it. Synthetic fibres typically smoke, melt and result in hard beads, whereas natural fibres turn to ash”.

‘A picture says a thousand words’ is an adage you’ve heard before, but as you delve into the fashion industry, you learn there is a lot more of a story to tell.

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Photography, Styling & Makeup:
Lili & Pearl

Hair:
Ash Kemp —Heirloom

Models:
Hannah Walsh
Casey Edwards

Wardrobe:
01—03: Alëna Leena gown, Twelve South Bridal (Yarragon)
04—05: Custom creations by Elissa Marie Design (Warragul)

Props:
Balloons supplied by Red Fox Party