A Brisbane-based international fashion house, which could trace part of its heritage to Central Queensland, is the subject of an exhibition currently on display at Rockhampton Museum of Art (RMOA).
Pattern and Print: Easton Pearson Archive showcases the daring design, technical innovations, bespoke fabrics and bold prints Easton Pearson became known for.
Easton Pearson was at the heart of avant-garde international fashion between 1998 and 2016. The label's success both internationally and at home hinged on the creative relationship between Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson, whose unique ways of working fostered inventive designs, lasting collaborations, and supported ethical manufacture.
Their creations were always colourful, decorative and wearable anywhere.
In the early days of her career in the mid-1980s, before Easton Pearson was established, Lydia Pearson's designs hung on the racks of a Rockhampton store. Described by the store as stocking "bull sale dresses", her creations became much sought after for the significant social events that accompanied the local bull sales.
Fast forward to 2023 and Pattern and Print: Easton Pearson Archive will not only showcase examples of garments but also sketches, accessories, samples, look books, photographs, interviews and anecdotes from the designers.
Easton Pearson Archive, held by Museum of Brisbane (MoB), is the largest textile collection from a single Australian fashion house held by a museum or gallery. It comprises more than 3,300 garments and more than 5,000 objects, accessories and ephemera, captures almost three decades of Australian fashion history.
The garments in the exhibition are complemented by a custom mural by Brisbane-based painter, illustrator and long-time Easton Pearson collaborator, Stephen Mok. Stephen hand-painted patterns onto garments, decorated accessories and props for the runway and created window designs for the label's flagship Brisbane store.
MoB previous Director, Renai Grace, said the Museum was thrilled to be able to share an exhibition of such calibre and that it will be an inspiring experience for all lovers of fashion and an eye-opening one for those wanting to know more about the role of fashion in art, craft, design and culture.
"Pamela Easton and Lydia Pearson were the storytellers of Australian fashion. Their designs remain cutting-edge, even today, due to Easton Pearson's experimental, demi-couture processes and their passion for creating bespoke textiles, prints and embellishments," she said
Rockhampton Regional Council Communities and Culture portfolio spokesperson Cr Drew Wickerson encouraged people to attend the exhibition.
"Whether you are a follower of fashion or not, I am sure people will find Pattern & Print: Easton Pearson Archive a fascinating exhibition, with glimpses into a world that most of us would only experience from the outside," he said.
"With vibrant design and a staggering variety of patterns, colours and materials, this is certainly a must-see exhibition," he said.
