Benjamin Pink

CREATIVE PROFILE

Jumping into his official studies at just 20 years old with the Whitehouse Institute of Design in Melbourne was the beginning of an exciting young career for fashion designer Benjamin G. Pink, a creative reigning from rural South Australia. Pushing the envelope of a country boys norms, Pink has used his upbringing to drive his creative vision utilising an auto-ethnographic approach to execute his design intentions. Having idolised legendary designers of the 90’s and early 2000’s, Pink longs for drama and emotion in his designs, pushing his ideology of person through a romantic, powerful and

melancholic approach. Throughout his graduate year, Pink has been a recipient of the AWET Grant, having been acknowledged by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) for his innovative applications of Merino Wool throughout his collection. Pink later was nominated as one of the five finalists within Melbourne Fashion Weeks Student Runway, having presented his work to a panel of industry professionals. AWI later included Pinks work in the Fleece to Fashion runway, acknowledging his work as a finalist and awarding the collection with the ‘Wool Producers Pick’.

DESIGN STATEMENT

Womenswear collection ‘The Ghost Who Walks’ follows the narrative based on the designers upbringing, utilising couture silhouettes to bring 5 characters to life, each derived from rooms within the designers Grandmothers homes. Taking inspiration from feelings, objects and textures from within each of the homes, itchy flannel blankets wrapped around a scared, shivering child, lladro figurines and vintage dolls pose along wooden cabinets, eyes peering eerily and the rose gardens that surround the home, thorns piercing through the petals. These

ultimately becoming the silhouettes of the collection. Rigid shoulders and delicate drapes emulate Pinks vision of the two, strong and powerful yet loving and delicate women. Dramatic and large silhouettes derived from Pinks couture appreciation are created through the utilisation of couture sewing techniques and hands-on construction methods to create unique shapes and garments. Tailoring and intentional structural elements are used within each silhouette, combined with reds, blacks and greys to emit a feeling of

THE DAME

A two piece look, the signature twisted gown in red lay beneath a draped alpaca/wool blend coating draped dress. Layers of alternate textiles draped, stacked and twisted around the hip line of the body creating volume and shape through these techniques.

THE BOTANIST

LOOK 2

A tailored jacket hugs the form of the womans body, signature shoulders add structure and strength.Panelled gingham prints cut on the bias slim the waist and draw the eye. Check wool coatings are twisted and wrapped forming the ‘Rose Skirt’, couture hand sewing techniques are utilised to create the draped silhouette and form the shapes that create ‘The Botanist’, the caretaker of the rose garden that withers outside.

THE PHANTOM

LOOK 3

Merino and alpaca blended wool coatings are lined with boning to form a layered structure around the body. Simulating the feeling of a child wrapped in a nostalgic woolen blanket fighting to stay warm. Hand sewing techniques and experimental draping form the obscure silhouette of ‘The Phantom’, the ghost that wanders the dark hallways.

THE GROUNDSKEEPER

The tailored jacket is extended, creating volume into the hem which in turn forms the beautiful folds that fall softly. Red and black coating is combined with charcoal wool suiting panel inserts. Particular cutting and patternmaking is completed to ensure a perfect look.

Charcoal wool boot-cut pants lay beneath the coat, a complete tailored look.

THE HEROINE

LOOK 5

My signature shoulders and high neckline are transferred to a wool jersey bodysuit, clinging to the wearer beneath. A draped wool crepe belt skirt waterfalls softly to the floor, precise handsewing techniques were used with meticulous draping to create this character, a lost girl.