Some people draw inspiration from nature, others from industrial landscapes.
Altona designer Alexandra Zvi has created a “Take Five” tank dress inspired by the Mobil refinery for this month’s inaugural Art & Industry Festival in Hobsons Bay.
An industrial fashion event will launch the 10-day festival on November 18 at Williamstown Town Hall.
“When I drive about, anything can inspire me,” Ms Zvi said. “I’m living in the western suburbs with a lot of industry about.”
The “Take Five” slogan, emblazoned on the Mobil tank at the corner of Millers and Kororoit Creek roads, refers to the five steps taken to identify and control hazards in petrochemical workplaces.
“You’re at the traffic lights and there you see the big hand,” Ms Zvi said. “I’ve always thought, wouldn’t that look fantastic on a T-shirt, wouldn’t that make a wonderful range of sportswear.
“When the art festival came up I thought, oh my goodness I can actually put down on paper the ideas that come to my head when I’m in a traffic jam.
“When you’re driving along in nature, it’s very easy to get inspired isn’t it?
“But I love driving along at sunset and you see the Mobil refinery and it just looks like Mad Max.”
Photographers will be invited to step out after sunset when the Mobil tanks and other industrial beacons are illuminated for another festival event, dubbed Western Lights, from November 18 to 27.
For a full festival program, visit artandindustryfestival.com.au.
