“I USE FASHION TO TALK ABOUT POLITICS”

Dame Vivienne Westwood

The Seed of Hope Collective and Think+DO Tank Foundation invite you to The Fairfield Fashion Runway.

For two years, the Seed of Hope Collective — our resident community of local Arabic-speaking women tailors, embroiderers, weavers, artists and cooks — has been working with fashion designer Melanie Gillbank to create garments reflecting themes of Land, Motherhood, Spirituality and Futurism. The women have also collaborated with ceramicist Idil Abdullahi to create handmade ceramic adornments that connect back to materiality and women’s work.

The result is a speculative, wearable experience braiding history, culture, and feminism in a vibrant display.

This December, we’re putting on a show to celebrate these amazing women and their stunning creations. Paired with performances, the evening will be a rich mosaic of traditional culinary delights.

These special garments are all stitched together by threads of love, showcasing both the individual designers, and the power of communal bonds. Each piece will be presented by Mothers, Aunties, Sisters, and Friends.

Alongside the fashion, we have meticulously curated performances to build on the themes explored in this unique project. First up will be an opening performance by Kuku Yalanji choreographer and performer, Henrietta Baird.

Our house band on the night will feature none other than Palestinian brothers, Majdi and Seraj Jelda who will be sharing Palestinian songs and music. They will be joined by Hussein Kahil, Mohammed Lelo, and Mustafa Altayar.

They will perform beautiful music that evokes the SWANA region, their ties to home, as well as a special collaboration with the Seed of Hope Choir. Cellist, Catalina Dermenjian will perform a solo set that speaks to her Armenian heritage, connecting motherhood to power and protection. Pa777ience will create an intimate vocal set that responds to the garment Spirituality. Into the evening Dj Djinn will take us on a journey with familiar sounds and new possibilities.

Attendance is free. Donations are welcome!

Dinner, signature drinks, and handmade wearables will be for sale on the night all by the Seed of Hope Collective at Think+DO Tank Foundation.

All food served is halal, with vegetarian and vegan options available.

Runway seats are limited. Please RSVP via Humanitix.

Fairfield Fashion Runway is generously supported by:

Think+DO Tank Foundation is assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.

Think+DO Tank Foundation is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.

Mounties Group is a profit for purpose community club on a mission to improve the lives of their members and the communities in which they live.

Think+DO Tank Foundation acknowledges that we meet and work on the traditional lands of the Cabrogal clan of the Darug nation and pay our respect to Elders both past and present.