Congratulations to Yr 12 Design & Technology (Textiles) student Aidan Borg-McGlone, who was awarded The Mayoral Award for Excellence in Design to the Moonee Valley Fireworks Exhibition at the Incinerator Gallery. Below is an overview of the story behind Aidan’s piece. We are incredibly proud of the work Aidan has produced and the efforts behind designing and creating this amazing dress.

“Lieni is a tribute to Aidan’s Maltese heritage. The design is named after the patron saint of his grandfather’s village, and after his mother. Aidan created the 6 metres of Maltese bobbin lace (bizzilla) used on the sleeves, bodice and peplum. On the skirt is a hand embroidered Maltese folk poem (għana), which reads ‘A boat is coming with lighted lamps, another is coming full of sailors, in the midst is my beloved with a guitar and violin.’ The poem conveys a sense of old-time romance which is typically Southern European. With a focus on ethical production, Aidan sourced all materials responsibly, supporting local op-shops and using natural fabrics such as linen and hemp.”