Objects
Mare Machines Dress
Object Type: Fashion
Artist/Maker: Duncan, Ashley
Place Made: United Kingdom: Aberdeenshire, Gray's School of Art
Date: 2012
Media/Materials: tweed, leather, buckle
Awards: RGU Fashion Design Purchase Award
Description:
Women's fitted dress in light brown check soft tweed. Panelled bodice with black lining, three panels to both front and back, pointed collar with button at neck and split to mid torso. Collar band faced in purple leather. The hem is finished with purple bias binding.
(See also ABDRG2012.59.2)
Artist's description:
"Tweed dress from my final year collection "Mare Machines". A tweed dress made from Scottish lambswool tweed from Alexander's of Scotland. A fitted bodice with a tiered skirt with purple bias binding hem and purple leather (lamb nappa) under collar and detailing on back with a surcingle buckle (from horse rugs)."
Artist's statement:
'Humans are enslaved like horses and horses are made into machines'.
While being loosely based around this quote from 'Black Beauty', 19th century riding habits juxtaposed with the contemporary sport of endurance riding creates the basis of my inspiration. By incorporating land maps mixed with costumes and fashion from the Victorian era, my collection has a timeless hour-glass silhouette together with flowing drapes and flattering tailoring. Using a range of lavish fabrics, from tweeds to quality leathers, has given the garments a sense of classic luxury. Semi-plan cloths and daring colour highlight the woven patters and create an exciting mix of textures and an essentially feminine statement."
Object Number: ABDRG2012.59.1