A term popularised by Alexandra Swartz, ‘Garmenting’ refers to the use of body and dress as the foundation for artistic expression.

An exhibition of past and current DUT Fashion student work was presented alongside a lecture that explored how artists engage with fashion as a medium for sculpture, installation and performance – effectively dismantling the distinction between fine arts and applied arts.

Core themes of culture, gender and politics were examined in relation to the fashion aesthetics of fluidity, structure, expansions, compression and ornamentation.

Attendees then participated in a ‘Garmenting’ workshop, using a variety of textiles, craft materials and found objects to critically engage with this school of thought.