Cheryl has designed drafted and made Art to Wear clothing since her early teenage years. These creations were more costumes than clothes, she has not bought any clothes since this time, she only wears her own creations (always decorated with her signature machine embroidery.
One of her early works in 1988 was ‘Winged Beauty’ This coat was made to wear and indeed Cheryl wore it for everyday use, sometimes lending it to her girlfriends when they went clubbing, it was designed for everyday use and not as amused piece.
Cheryl wearing ‘Winged Beauty’ soon after she made it. (1988)
The girls going clubbing!
‘Winged Beauty’ was then featured in the book; Body Adorned and the Art of Dress: Australian Wearable Art 1970s- 1980s’ Vishna Collins. this book published in 2020 studied wearable art of the 70’s and 80’s and featured among others Jenny Keys and Linda Jackson.
Now it resides in ‘Radical Textiles’ at the AGSA in a room dedicated to high end fashion, featuring garments by Vivienne Westwood, Viktor&Rolf, Iris van Herpen and Jordon Gogos. Overlooking these esteemed internationally recognised designers is no other than Cheryl’s historical coat ‘Winged Beauty’.
Leigh Robb and Rebecca Evans have curated a wonderful exhibition and Cheryl would love to thank Emma Frey, Leigh and Rebecca and the rest of their dedicated team.
Rebecca Evans, Cheryl and Leigh Robb at the opening.
Inside Radical Textiles
Go see Radical Textiles at the AGSA it is well worth it, and come and watch Cheryl hand embroidering on her sewing machine.
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