Chromophobia by Gail Sorronda

The Cambridge Dictionary describes Chromophobia as “an extreme or irrational fear of colors”, and for anyone that knows Gail Sorronda, they will immediately understand the reference. The James St community’s much-loved gentle goth designer rarely allows colour to touch skin, however her Chromophobia collection, presented at Urban Art Projects (UAP), while honouring the hardcore chromophobe, also represents a tongue-in-cheek poke at her monochrome renown.

Celebrating 20-years of dark romanticism, Sorronda threw off the self-imposed shackles and, while the core monochrome palette holds true for much of the collection, the dark and light were vividly defined by gothic-inspired moments of ultraviolet and chartreuse.

To celebrate the two-decade milestone, Sorronda staged a typically theatrical presentation to present a show that was equally fashion show and performance piece, filled with subliminal messages from this contemplative designer.

The location was the first message, staging a fashion show with past collaborator Urban Art Projects (UAP) at their foundry sent a clear message to the fashion industry, this is a brand that endures. UAP, and particularly its foundry, creates artworks that endure – with a focus on the art and on creating timeless work. The parallels are obvious, this is not about mass production, or wholesale volume, but the artist, the process, creating enduring work and connection with community - “Sorronda Forever”.

Community was the second act, with the devout attendees honouring Sorronda’s 20-year oeuvre clad in timeless and rare garments spanning two decades. Conversation too positively hummed with locals thrilled that Sorronda was hosting her 20-year celebration and collection launch in her home-town, surrounded by those that celebrate and support her the most.

The third was the opening performance by the Australasian Dance Collective (ADC), our city’s and one of Australia’s most exciting contemporary dance companies. Having collaborated many times in the past, the merging of dance and costuming is familiar for Sorronda and presents the perfect vehicle for expressing the latent energy within her garments.  An energetic performance served as a metaphor to bridge the past with the present and opening the door to guide the audience out of the darkness and into the bright future.

The fourth and final dramatic act, the show itself throbbed with energy, set to a banging playlist, it was clear that this was a celebration from the first beat. Strobed lighting, and music that made you want to leap out of your seat and dance marked the arrival of the collection. Glowing gamine models with gently mussed hair, appeared as though transported from the fairy kingdom beneath the hill. At first in the signature black and white silk taffeta, with glorious bell-sleeves and pleated ruffle collars. The room soon spilt open by the injection of flowing acid green and gathered ultraviolet silk stabbing through the darkness and declaring a bright future has arrived.

…and that future looks bright indeed. See for yourself here, or better yet, drop in to chat with Gail in-store.