By Ippy Collins
An impressive and colourful array of photographs have been submitted for the Ethnic Elegance Street Photography Competition in Wyndham.
This competition celebrates the beauty, history, and cultural significance of traditional attire expressed through street style and is an opportunity for all Victorian photographers to capture the essence of street style fashion while exploring the rich tapestry of traditional fashion.
The objective is to highlight the elegance, diversity, and vibrancy of traditional fashion in cityscapes, with photographs that capture the visual aesthetics of traditional attire. The photos will convey the stories, customs, and identities inherent in each garment in a respectful manner ensuring subjects are portrayed with dignity and honour to their cultural heritage.
Shortlisted images will be part of an exhibition at the Saltwater Community Centre from 26th July to 25th September.
The closing event and prize distribution will take place on 21st September at Saltwater Community Centre, with prizes of $500 each for the People’s Choice Award and the Judges Choice Award (judged by Liana Hardy).
The competition is an exceptional opportunity to showcase traditional fashion through street photography, revealing the stories and heritage behind each garment.
From the cover
Artist: Amal Laala
Title: Self portrait
Centring around a bi-racial female perspective, in this portrait series I tell my stories and visual history by taking images in places of importance to me.
I prevent the viewer from seeing my facial features, choosing to hide this part of my identity whilst highlighting the background of the image and costume (traditional Moroccan dress used for weddings).
I celebrate my culture, memories and the tradition through dress, balancing it with places that have a personal history in the western suburbs of Melbourne.
