Artist statement

'I see my garments as stories of their own creation. It takes a community to construct a garment, and similarly, it took a community to construct this artwork. This work is a textile composition of LGBTIAQ+ stories and joy. It is about disseminating and celebrating queer identity; and for the community to display camaraderie to all identities, genders and self-expressions.'

About the artist

Erik Yvon is a Melbourne/Naarm-based fashion designer on a mission to bring joy to every wardrobe. His bold, trans-seasonal pieces are a dynamic combination of colours, prints, shapes and textures. Each collection draws inspiration from art, his everyday surroundings, his origins in the island of Mauritius and his experience as a queer person of colour. Erik actively seeks out and works with creatives of colour and LGBTIAQ+ folk for every collection, ensuring each season is unique, exciting and smile inducing.

For this work, Erik collaborated with Christopher Alexander, Jamie Azzopardi, Kiah Crowder-Wyett, Akashi Zari Lee, Osamu Miyagi, Radam Ridwan, Laura Du Ve and Christian Wilkins.

This work was commissioned by the Metro Tunnel Creative Program to celebrate Melbourne Fashion Week.

Instagram: @erik_yvon

Photography by Kit Edwards

Photography by Charlie Ashe

The Metro Tunnel Creative Program celebrated Melbourne Fashion Week in 2022 with a roving pop-up runway in the NOLA precinct, featuring some of Melbourne’s best LGBTQIA+ designers.