The late 1970’s and early 1980's
saw the rise of a new generation of Australian fashion designers creating garments
that melded art, craft and fashion in a style that came to be dubbed ‘art
clothes’. Influenced by the Punk subculture's attitude to style and materials,
allied with a passion for creating original fabrics and textiles and a market
who was willing to dress up and be noticed.
Studibaker Hawk flourished, winning the 1985 top award in the
PM Wear category at the Australian Fashion Awards. Creators of this label were
designer Janelle Smith, artist Wendy Arnold and architect David Miles. Sydney’s
Powerhouse Museum and the National Gallery of Victoria have acquired pieces from
this era.
