About the artist
Helen O'Connor is the creator and founder of the nationally and internationally successful fashion label entitled Thurley.
Helen Thurley studied fashion at RMIT University and received a scholarship to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. The first Thurley collection debuted at L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Week in 2006, receiving a thoroughly celebrated welcome and positive reviews.
In 2008, O'Connor was a finalist in the prestigious LMFF Designer Award presented by Woolmark. From that foundation, the label has continued to develop a strong following and reputation within the local and international industry.
In 2019, Helen O'Connor was inducted into the City of Stonnington Hall of Fame.
Drawing inspiration from experiences of travel, culture and art, Helen injects Thurley with a strong sense of personality. Each season the collection features timeless pieces that are both modern and classic, specialising in evening wear with a focus on masterfully embroidered dresses, extravagant outerwear and elegant gowns. Thurley is available at its flagship Armadale store and exclusively in David Jones stores nationwide.
About the artwork
This artwork is included in the third stage of the Greville/Porter/King Public Realm Improvement project that has previously improved the streetscapes of Greville and Porter streets. When you arrive at King Street, look up and you will see a beautifully designed mesh lining the thoroughfare adjoining the connecting light poles. This mesh looks like it is made of intricate mesh found on a dress and has been hand-designed by Helen O'Connor.
When King Street became King's Walk
King Street was a one-way street with car parks on one side. Now transformed into King's Walk, a fully pedestrian environment, the new space is designed to create a local destination where people can enjoy the environment and go to the surrounding shops and restaurants.
Specialty
Helen O'Connor of Thurley Designs creates every design by hand on a mannequin. It is rare to have such beautiful and complex work made at their accessible price points.
Inspiration in a city
If there were a city in the world that would most accurately reflect Thurley's aesthetic, it would be Rome. Love and respect for tradition and homage to history with a modern twist.