Textiles & Design
Handcrafted in Melbourne
Whimsy & Warp
By Connie Curato
I was born in 1964 in South Africa, but both my parents are from Italy. My mother was a big inspiration with my direction in the fashion and textile world being a highly trained seamstress for most of her life.
I studied fashion in Italy the Callegari Institute in Vicenza and Verona Italy and received my diploma in Fashion Design in 1984. I soon cultivated a love for the design and production of textiles throughout the following years and thus did further study in the area, receiving a diploma of arts in 2008.
My work is not traditional, although I am trained in this way. I love to create garments and fabrics that have an element of fun and which creates an impact. I am particularly drawn to the production of garments for stage as it allows me to be very creative, often, creating something completely one-off and different.
I have thus worked with ballet schools; creating costumes for their students for end of year performances, and musical artists such as Kate Ceberano.
Awards:
Dressmaker of the Year - The Butterfly Dance Studio
Education:
Fashion Design Diploma – Calegari Institute, Vicenza/Verona Italy (1984)
Diploma of Arts - Studio Stitch/Textiles – Box Hill Tafe, Box Hill Victoria (2008)
Services
-
Wearable Art
Each garment produced is treated as an individual art piece. I aim to source bespoke and natural fibers / materials to suit the garment and your personality.
-
Clothing Design
From everyday clothing items to pieces worn for special events, I cater for both. My designs compliment the figure of the individual and chosen event.
-
Fabric / Textile Design
Small batch production of personally designed textiles, focusing on natural materials such as: linen, cotton, wool and silk.
Current Projects
Kate Ceberano: Stage Clothing & Quilts
Currently, I am working with Australian musician and artist Kate Ceberano on her stage clothing and quilt production. We have recently just completed clothing for her Australian Made tour, which toured all over Australian from Jun-Sep,2025.
Additionally, a small collection of clothing is in the works in collaboration with myself and Kate, which will be available to purchase.
Personal projects:
My personal work is presently gravitating towards the production of clothing using fabrics with a natural element; using linens, silks and cottons. I am also working on natural dyeing techniques, using these to create beautiful colours and effects on these natural fabrics. My aim is to create classic lines with a twist using these textiles.
Photos:
1. Kate Ceberano Quilt: ‘Australia Made’ tour stage backdrop, 2025.
2. Kate Ceberano performing at Hamer Hall, wearing skirt designed and tailored by me.
3. Working on one of Kate’s quilts, 2023. Photograph by Natasha Curato.
Gallery
