Goodwill is threaded throughout a stunning ivory dress by a couture designer to the stars that will be auctioned at an upcoming gala charity lunch.
Golden Beach’s Judy Copley has dressed the rich and famous across the globe but supporting her local community is still what drives her.
Judy Copley Couture gowns have graced runways, gala events, television shows, weddings and movie premieres, as well as being worn at some of the world’s most prestigious events – from New York to Miami, the Maldives to Italy.
Her clients have been as diverse as supermodel Duckie Thot, Andrew Farris for costume design in an INXS music video, Married At First Sight reality TV star Heidi Latcham, and St George Illawarra Dragons rugby league player Jessica Sergis.
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So when Wishlist Spring Carnival committee member Danni Murray asked if Judy would create and donate a gown that would capture the spirit of spring, she did not hesitate.
“Judy had already been chosen to judge the Fashions on the Field at the Wishlist Spring Carnival this year and I approached her to see if she would consider donating an original dress to help raise money at this year’s event,” said Danni, who wore a Judy Copley design when she was married in 2019.
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“Judy and I envisioned a dress that would encapsulate spring and new beginnings.
“We wanted to create something that was fun, fabulous and flirty and of course be something that is truly a one of a kind.”
The eye-catching dress features silk flowers that reflect the Wishlist Spring Carnival colour palette – each cut, shaped and dyed by hand, and individually hand-stitched.
The dress has a deep V neckline, romantic puffed sleeves and an open back with silk flowers cascading down the shoulders.
“The dress is part of a limited-edition collection of 10 that I have been working on,” Judy said.
“Each dress in the collection is a little different and all are originals.
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“The skirt is smocked, which is a fabric-manipulation technique that takes time and patience.
“It has taken me three weeks to sketch the dress, source fabrics, dye the silk, smock and stitch it all together.
“I am delighted with the result as I think it is a dress that is perfect for spring.”
The dress is valued at $5000 and was auctioned at the sold-out Wishlist Spring Carnival Gala Lunch held on Friday, November 5, at the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre.
