Stomach rolls, asymmetrical breasts, love handles, body hair, thick thighs and stretch marks; these are physical attributes many of us would dub an insecurity. We hide them beneath layers of clothing, sanitise them with shapewear, and attempt to ‘fix’ them with endless creams and extensive grooming routines.

To Brisbane-born, London-based designer, couturier and artist, Michaela Stark, however, these body parts are to be anything but shied away from. Rather, Stark thrusts such physical features like body fat and hair, those deemed undesirable by societal beauty standards, into the celebratory spotlight through multidisciplinary works of fashion and art.

Be it through her self-portraits, designs for the like of Beyoncé and Sam Smith, or ready to wear brand Panty, Stark employs extreme styling and body-morphing techniques to create delicately visceral interpretations of the body that challenge and recondition our perception of beauty. With features in The New York Times, Vogue US and Dazed, she has quickly garnered global recognition for her radical critique on representation and boundary-pushing approach to body liberation.

Join Michaela Stark at The Calile Hotel on Tuesday 29 April in-conversation with Editor-In-Chief of LOVEWANT Magazine, Bart Celestino, alongside Dr Sal Edwards, whose PhD examines the pervasion of Western norms through dress, fashion and the body, to discuss her extraordinary impact and groundbreaking career.

Please note that as there is a content warning for this event, guests must be 18 years and over to attend. Tickets are highly limited, so we recommend reserving swiftly.