Story Time
For those that love a good yarn, the theme of this year's Sydney Design 10 festival is 'tell us a story'. From July 31st there'll be sixteen days of talks, exhibits, workshops, markets and events focused around design, fashion and the creative process. You can take part in a professional photo shoot, pick up a few pieces from emerging designers at the Young Blood Designers Market, check out the Powerhouse's archive of fashion pieces or even join a knitting workshop. Yew! We've compiled a list of some of the events we're looking forward to.
Design Underground
Monday August 2nd and 9th, Tuesday August 3rd and 10th, Wednesday August 4th and 11th
Enter the fashion equivalent of Aladdin's cave as part of six curator led tours of the Powerhouse Museum's fashion vault. Each tour has a different focus, from textiles to clothing to footwear.
Iron Designer
Friday August 6th
Inspired by the famed Japanese cooking show, Iron Designer will see a cast of nimble designers fight to create a winning design in only 20 minutes. Working individually and as a team, the competitors will be given one main ingredient and a range of materials to get crafty with.
Fashion in Action
August 7th and 8th
On Saturday August 7th, Sydney Design unravels the mystique of fashion photography by hosting an all-day fashion shoot in front of your eyes. From set design and wardrobe styling to hair and makeup to postproduction, witness the entire process from beginning to end. If being a voyeur isn't satisfying enough, book early and on Sunday you can take part in a high-end shoot as a model. Blue steel!
Young Blood Designer's Market & Designboom Mart
August 13th to 15th
YBD is the perfect hunting ground for one-offs from emerging designers. This curated market 8 everything from fashion to graphics to furniture. If you're in the market for some interesting internationally sourced wares, head to Designboom Mart. Curated by the independent online publication Designboom and staged at festivals around the world, this event gives you the chance to meet and buy products from young, international avante garde designers.
Ride-On Dinner
Saturday August 14th
Bring your bike and helmet and help power the mobile pedal-powered kitchen while enjoying a meal in the process. The cycle tour will be led by Anthony Hamilton-Smith, one of the Designer Now! 2009 winners.
Creating the Look: Benini and Fashion Photography Exhibition
July 31st until April 2011
Italian-born Bruno Benini was one of Australia's leading 20th century fashion photographers, documenting the evolution of fashion over five decades. In collaboration with his artist Hazel as the creative fashion stylist, the couple created some of our fair country's most memorable images. But this exhibit goes beyond the images to reveal the ideas and backstage process, as well as how Benini's techniques influence the digital generation today.
Frock Stars: Inside Fashion Week
Now until August 29th
Frock Stars is a behind-the-scenes exhibition that exploring the organization and madness of Rosemount Australian Fashion Week. Take a peek and see what's happening backstage.
Food For Thought
Duration of festival
Nothing in life is free, but it's definitely a bargain when a bowl of soup costs only 140 characters. Held at mystery locations, this kiosk offers you a meal in exchange for submitting a 140-character answer to a query about the location. Responses are logged at will be shared with other patrons via projections, twitter and scrolling signs.
Written by Susannah Singh.
