Creative statement
We do not necessarily need to look to high-end fashion to see inspiration from Asia. There are many opportunities to do that right here in Melbourne. Showcasing traditional Asian costumes at mainstream Australian events is a great opportunity to start conversations around identity, traditions and cultural values. It encourages people to ask about the significant of the costumes, colours and when they are worn which help communities understand the history of ethicities and cultures
Last year at the AFL Multicultural Festival, One Chai Please put together a spectacular, multicultural and yet contemporary fashion runway show at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This show was curated by Gary Lee, New Australian of the Year 2016 in collaboration with myself, Wesa Chau, Young Victorian of the Year 2010, who was also the designer and stylist for this inaugural showcase at one of Melbourne’s most prominent sporting venues, working with a distinguished fashion photographer based in Melbourne, Wilari Tedjosiswoyo.