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.

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.