The photomontage of dream sequences of German avant-garde photographer Grete Stern, and the installations made from various found objects by American contemporary artist Sarah Sze lay the foundation for the constructed world of this collection.

Taking a departure point from Peter Weir’s 1975 film “Picnic at Hanging Rock”, we follow a group of Victorian schoolgirls who ventured into unfamiliar terrain. Their mysterious disappearance prompts us to ask where they could have ended up to. Perhaps they have entered a parallel reality where their perfect setting has turned over and a hot-blooded energy has taken over. Lines are loosening up and edges broken down.

The collection explores the contrast between proper Victoriana elements and a more sensual and sexual side of dressing – their innocence and youth reveal their “wild” side. There is that fragility, that frilliness, but also a certain roughness in the way things are put together. Colors and textures break into things that were purer. Floral and animalistic aspects find new ways of expression through unexpected sources of materials. There is an emphasis on handwork, from the needle felting, hand embroideries, and handwoven fabrics. They are clothes for women who roam the wild and living this dreamscape.

Images by Lee Wei Swee