POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Outfit by Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson

Object No. 2001/29/1

This outfit designed by Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson in 2000 illustrates their romantic, evocative style and independent, experimental approach to fashion. Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson of Brisbane-based label Easton Pearson turned their long term friendship into a design partnership in 1989 after deciding they 'wanted to create clothes with soul, and 'bring all we love in life into our work.' Using predominantly natural fibres they are best known for creating evocative otherworldly collections of richly romantic clothes featuring beautifully embroidered, beaded and hand-crafted fabrics. They design all the decorative detail and pattern on their textiles and have a small workroom in Mumbai, India employing skilled artisans to complete the exquisite hand-beading and embroidery. All garments are then manufactured in their workrooms in Brisbane. Pamela Easton originally worked in the fashion buying industry in Brisbane before moving to Melbourne to work with Sportsgirl Australia and David Lawrence. Lydia Pearson completed an arts degree in Brisbane and tentatively began to produce a fashion range (teaching herself pattern making) after a dress she designed and wore to a party was taken up by a boutique owner who suggested she do a range. Easton returned from Melbourne, tired of the world of corporate fashion but keen to set up a smaller fashion business. She met with Lydia and found they were both interested in setting up a small fashion business, designing and selling clothes that were not influenced by current fashion trends but reflected their shared love of vintage clothing and textiles, non European textiles, old movies, theatre and books. They are currently selling through major Australian and international boutiques. Glynis Jones 2009

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Summary

Object Statement

Outfit, comprising skirt and top, sequinned, embroidered, silk / metal, designed and made by Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson, Brisbane, Queensland, made by Easton Pearson Pty Ltd, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia / Mumbai, India, 2000

Physical Description

Women's outfit comprising top and skirt. Top: loose fitting sleeveless shell top with round neck and elasticised waist made of black silk completely covered with gold metallic sequins. The sequins are in a zig zag pattern with nine sunflowers scattered over the front and the back. Hand beaded and machine sewn and fully lined with black silk. Skirt: full bell shaped taupe silk tafetta skirt to calf length. Tailored with darts onto a narrow black silk waistband. The skirt is heavily decorated with appliqued, hand beaded and sequinned sunflowers all around. There is a narrow fringe around the hem. Proper left side seam opening fastens with a black nylon zipper and a black metal hook and eye. Machine and hand sewn, and fully lined with black silk over stiffening petticoat of white cotton.

PRODUCTION

Notes

The garments and textiles are designed by Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson for their label Easton Pearson. Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson of Brisbane based label Easton Pearson turned their long term friendship into a design partnership in 1989 after deciding they 'wanted to create clothes with soul, and....bring all we love in life into our work.' Pamela Easton worked in the fashion buying industry in Brisbane before moving to Melbourne to work with Sportsgirl Australia and David Lawrence. Lydia Pearson completed an arts degree in Brisbane and tentatively began to produce a fashion range (teaching herself pattern making) after a dress she designed and wore to a party was taken up by a boutique owner who suggested she do a range. Pamela Easton returned from Melbourne, tired of the world of corporate fashion but keen to set up a smaller fashion business. She met with Lydia and found they were both interested in setting up a small fashion business, designing and selling clothes that were not influenced by current fashion trends but reflected their shared love of vintage clothing and textiles, non European textiles, old movies, theatre and books. Using predominantly natural fibres they are best known for creating evocative otherworldly collections of richly romantic clothes featuring beautifully embroidered, beaded and hand crafted fabrics. Made in the workrooms of Easton Pearson. They have a small workroom in Mumbai India employing skilled artisans to complete the exquisite hand beading and embroidery that is a feature of their work. All garments are manufactured in their workrooms in Brisbane. This outfit was made in 2000.

HISTORY

Notes

Worn on the catwalk for Easton Pearson collection shows and for the Grand Marnier/Powerhouse Museum Fashion of the Year 2000 photo shoot and parade.

SOURCE

Credit Line

Purchased 2001 (part of the Grand Marnier/Powerhouse Museum Fashion of the Year collection)

Acquisition Date

26 April 2001

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