Eric Wilson
Biography:
Eric has been intrigued by design ever since he was young, drawing cars and designing modifications which would allow them to drive and fly anywhere. This passion for design progressed to fashion design. Initially simple enough for his mum to construct, then becoming more complex requiring a professional seamster. In 2017 Eric moved to Finland and enrolled in a 2 year textile course which included 8 weeks of pattern making and sewing. During this 8 week period he became fascinated with pattern making and garment construction, something he continued to pursue. After working in Finland for a small independent label, SAAGA Design, plus continuing his experience in alterations and couture garments on the side he returned to Australia with a desire to study design further. Studying at Whitehouse Institute of Design, Australia. Eric has developed a broad range skills ranging from practical ready-to-wear garments to multi-use red carpet attire. His passion lies in creating contemporary, high quality garments for special events and occasions. Inspired by what he sees around him, Eric draws inspiration from nature, architecture and what’s on the couture runways presently and in the past. Eric sees the human form as a blank canvas, fabrics as paint, design work as painting and finished garments as artworks.
Design Statement:
Art Topiaire is a couture collection initially inspired by the sculptural forms seen in the monuments, buildings and other[ infrastructure in Park Güell, Barcelona, Spain. Designed by Antoni Gaudí, Park Güell was the initial spark which ignited the process of inspiration which became focused topiary gardens and also looks at the sculptural artworks of Jeff Koons. The symmetrical and asymmetrical opulence and symbolic details of these architectural structures and sculptures inspired me to look into man made forms and how these monumental shapes could be translated into fashion silhouettes. Toparius, originating from Latin, means ornamental gardener (Centre For Architecture n.d.), is the practice of pruning plants to develop defined shapes (Royal Horticultural Society UK, n.d.). Therefore, Art Topiaire is a collection which looks at greatly exaggerated silhouettes, both symmetrical and asymmetrical, that is also refined and controlled with an essence of restriction brought about by the use of corsetry and stiff foundation garments used to create controlled shapes. The colour palette is inspired by the bright colours reflecting off the floor and walls of Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada de Familia Basilica, Barcelona. These vivid colours have been translated into a fluorescent tulle mesh. Kosloski (2017) states that Architects saw them [stained glass windows] as the perfect opportunity to highlight a spiritual truth while serving a functional purpose. For me, I see the use of bright tulle as a way to bring bright colour into a troubled world of drab colours in many current fashion trends. Both wearable and editorial, Art Topiaire is designed to be a loud statement with its pieces aimed at clientele who need the wow factor on the runway, on their social feeds or for the glossy pages of magazines. Its aim is to visually lift the viewers moods through silhouette, colour and details.
