TIMES REPORT
ARARAT Australia: Pakistani-born fine artist and filmmaker Amna Irshad has unveiled her latest exhibition, Dress to Impress, at Gallery 127 marking a remarkable transition from traditional fine art to the world of wearable art The exhibition presents an exclusive collection of handcrafted fashion piece includin g custom-made sequin gowns, batik cape shawls crochet fashion accessories and handmade wool jewellery Each creation has been individually designed reflecting Amna’s belief that clothing can be appreciated as a unique work of art Amna Irshad began her artistic career as a professional oil painter exhibiting her work across Pakistan for nearly eight years. While painting established her reputation as a visual artist, she says fashion has always been another powerful form of creative expression Reflecting on her early years, Amna explained that her passion for fashion developed alongside her love for painting Growing up in Pakistan where her mother worked as a university professor, she always enjoyed experimenting with colours fabrics, and distinctive styles My creativity never stopped at the canvas The same colours and artistic ideas I expressed in my paintings were reflected in the clothes I designed and wore she said She credits Pakistan’s centuries-old textile heritage as one of the strongest influences behind her work Our fashion history goes back more than a thousand years. The richness of our fabrics colours, embroidery and traditional designs has been shaped by many civilizations, and we proudly continue that legacy today Amna said Her journey into textile and fashion design began during the COVID-19 pandemic when lockdowns gave her the opportunity to learn professional stitching and garment construction She experimented with different fabrics techniques and materials before receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback that encouraged her to pursue fashion design professionallyAfter relocating to Australia, Amna found herself inspired to introduce a more colourful and artistic perspective to the local fashion scene I was surprised by how simple fashion appeared here. I wanted to bring more colour, creativity and cultural expression to the community through my designs,” she said The exhibition features two distinct collections One gallery space celebrates Pakistan’s vibrant cultural identity through traditional-inspired garments while the second presents contemporary international designs demonstrating Amna’s ability to blend Eastern heritage with modern global fashion According to the artist, every piece displayed in the exhibition is a one-of-a-kind creation making each garment an original artwork rather than a mass-produced fashion item Looking ahead, Amna revealed that her next creative project will focus on designing a collection inspired by royal fashion, showcasing elegant gowns influenced by historical and regal styles
The Dress to Impress” exhibition officially opened at Gallery 127 in Ararat and will remain open throughout offering visitors an opportunity to experience a unique fusion of fine art fashion craftsmanship and cultural storytelling
The exhibition highlights not only Amna Irshad’s artistic evolution but also celebrates Pakistan’s rich textile heritage while promoting cultural diversity through contemporary wearable art.
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