Red Ridge Presents
DRESS THE CENTRAL WEST
BEAUTY WITHIN THE DROUGHT, REIMAGINED
Dress the Central West has been a collaborative journey that has inspired, engaged, encouraged and empowered local people within central west communities to find “Beauty within the Drought”. The Gala has showcased regional designers, models, dancers, avant-garde makeup artists, and local hair stylists in a collective production that tells the story of our Outback.
34 Models
With all the models in the show local to our area, Dress the Central West has been a display of not only their overwhelming talent, but also their determination and courage to walk a catwalk infront of 200+ audience members.
34 Dancers
Emotional, entertaining and heartwarming, the local dance teams from the Longreach School of Dance and the Blackall School of Dance have cemented Dress the Central West as a show we’ll never forget.
10 Makeup Artists
From building the confidence of our models, providing
tailored makeup looks, and capturing the essence of the story behind each
outfit within their artistry, our local makeup artists have gone above and beyond.
4 Hair Stylists
With both outfit and model in mind, each avant-garde hairstyle was picture perfect. Our local hairstylists' determination, and outstanding artistry meant that every model and outfit stood out and proud.
RESILIENCE, STRENGTH AND UNITY
Red Ridge (Interior Queensland) Ltd partnered with Central West Hospital and
Health Service (CWHHS) and Central West Aboriginal Corporation (CWAC) to create the fashion parade of the year, Dress the Central West. Teaming with Fashion designer Claudia Williams, from Llani Creative, each outfit represented the history and traditions of the four communities involved in the project—Winton, Blackall, Longreach and Barcaldine.
Our Journey
Dress the Central West’s journey began on Monday, 26th of November, with workshops being held in Winton, Blackall, Barcaldine and Longreach. With Claudia Williams acting as creative director, our communities began designing several outfits that best represented their towns, stories, and culture in the adversity of drought using recycled or found material.
DRESS THE CENTRAL WEST MEDIA RELEASES
COUNTRY LIFE
1 June, 2019
'Drought is something that wears you down but now a wearable art production acclaimed as of national standing has shown that you can find beauty even in despair. As Red Ridge chairman Andrew Martin said, there is indeed beauty in a drought, if you know how to look for it. '
By
Sally Cripps
DRESS THE CENTRAL WEST GALLERY
