Keywords: alexi freeman, australia, forged metal, melbourne, metals, tessa blazey, victoria, chain mail, dress, silk

Neo Lace Gown

Tessa Blazey and Alexi Freeman

Dimensions

1070 x 570 x 350 mm

Materials

Dress: silver-plated links, chain and jump rings using jewellery and chain mail construction techniques

Artist statement

‘We set out to give lace a rock ‘n’ roll make-over — taking the fragility and femininity of lace and juxtaposing it with the futurist ideals of the Art Deco period, to create a mercurial gown soft to the touch but metal as anything.

Referencing the tradition of passementerie lace-making, we have sought to reinvigorate the practice of constructing lace from metallic thread. Substituting yarn for chain, and needles for pliers, we aim to forge a common thread between historical lace-making, contemporary craft and fashion design.

A departure from the tradition of lace as a delicate material, our Neo Lace empowers the wearer in an armour-like garment, evoking Joan of Arc leading France into battle or perhaps the opulence of Cleopatra’s coronation. We are interested in the paradox of lace as armour.’

Behind the scenes

Explanation of Lace Techniques

Interview with Durbach Block