Amy
Cottrell

My aim was to create a design that was completely sustainable and still embraced the elegance, glamour, and excitement of the spring racing carnival. To achieve this, I have used materials that are completely sustainable including deadstock fabrics made from natural fibres, recycled metal and bioplastic. Bioplastic is a completely biodegradable, harmless, edible material that mimics many of the features of plastic, made from natural dyes and basic household kitchen ingredients such as gelatine and glycerine. Bioplastic sequins and bioplastic shards have been used to embellish the bodice and to create a vibrant bioplastic fascinator. I have used recycled chains and metal details to further embellish the bodice and fascinator, and deadstock pieces of orange silk to create the flowers of the bodice and silk skirt. The colour is symbolic of the energy and vibrance of the races and is a symbol of prosperity. Orange was also inspired by the vibrant orange colour of the mandarines grown on my home property, which were used to create the orange dye for the bioplastic that has been used.

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