We are so proud to launch a new fundraising collaboration with Filipino-Australian visual artist Kay Abude and Melbourne fashion royalty, Alpha60.
- Apron style dress, based on Alpha60's much loved 'Sandy Dress'.
- 100% cotton.
- Featuring original screen printed artwork by Kay Abude on front.
- Exposed pleats on front panel.
- With metal brushed button fastenings and high vis reflective tape on dress ties; a nod to Kay's current work as a stevedore at the wharf/docks, to support her art practice.
- Screen printed locally by Print Ink Studio, Collingwood.
- The dress style can be worn many ways, see photos for examples.
- Limited edition, only 50 units produced. More stock available at Alpha60.
- All proceeds from sales of the collaboration will go towards supporting the work and education programs of The Social Studio.
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Kay’s art practice is about work itself: the value of it, the effort, the inequality and insecurity of it, especially for artists. Kay developed a new artwork which combined her iconic bold text with images of the make-shift silk screen printing studio in Gertrude Contemporary’s basement that Kay worked in during Melbourne’s COVID lockdown and a satellite image of the Melbourne docks where Kay currently works as a stevedore to support her art practice.
The collaboration was locally manufactured in The Social Studio's workroom based in Collingwood. Ugly Cute Collective by Michelle Phan (who also works at TSS) designed a bucket style bag as a part of the collaboration. Michelle utilised the waste material from the dress and top production to create a series of one-of-a-kind bags which have all been hand sewn and braided, and also utilised production off-cuts to craft straps for the limited-edition hats.
As a nod to Kay's art practice the makers who manufactured the collection also star as the models for the campaign.
All proceeds from the collaboration will go towards supporting the work and education programs The Social Studio runs for refugee and migrant young people.
| Garment Measurements | A. shoulder point to shoulder point | B. Waist | C. Length (from neck to hem) | D. Skirt length (from waist to hem |
| Small | 32.5 cm | 87 cm | 116 cm | 83.5 cm |
| Medium | 33.5 cm | 90.5 cm | 117 cm | 84 cm |
| Large | 34 cm | 93.5 cm | 117 cm | 85 cm |
Note: Relaxed fit, the waist is flexible to resize; with 2 x button closures that can adjust the waist to fit closer to the natural waist. Can also be styled secured to be tied at the front or back with the waist ties.
