The Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival has announced the 12 finalist student designers who will showcase their graduate collections in the National Graduate Showcase.
Presented by Target, and supported by Fashion Journal, the National Graduate Showcase is a launching pad for young Australian designers.
The 12 designers chosen to show their graduation collections to over 1,500 consumers and industry leaders on March 9, 2018 inside the storied Royal Exhibition Building are:
- Lucie Martyr, University of Technology Sydney, NSW
- Isabella Raco, Whitehouse Institute of Design, VIC
- Lisa Liu, University of Technology Sydney
- Lucy Dickinson, RMIT, VIC
- Tess Tavener Hanks, University of Technology Sydney
- Mikala Tavener Hanks, University of Technology Sydney
- Rachael O’Brien, University of Technology Sydney
- Rachel Louey, RMIT
- Shaydn Gill, Whitehouse Institute of Design
- Xiangqiao Sheng, RMIT
- Yael Frischling, University of Technology Sydney
- Madeleine Jost, RMIT
It will be the first time in the nine-year history of the showcase that sisters - Tess Tavener Hanks and Mikala Tavener Hanks
(both University of Technology Sydney) - will be showing at the same time.
The 12 finalists, representing the University of Technology Sydney (NSW), RMIT (VIC) and Whitehouse Institute of Design
(VIC), were carefully selected from more than 100 graduates from institutions across the country.
Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival CEO Graeme Lewsey commented on the important role the program plays in developing young talent within the industry.
“The National Graduate Showcase provides a platform and unprecedented support for young designers to kick-start their career.
"This year, we have seen a new standard of creativity from designers who show a level of maturity and industry understanding far beyond their years. We are proud to be able to provide this unique initiative.”
Target head of corporate affairs and sustainability Tracie Walker expressed the company's support for the program and those involved.
“The retailer is committed to seeking and supporting young local designers through its association with the Festival’s National Graduate Showcase.
"At Target, we are thrilled to be involved in a program that mentors our next generation of designers on the road to success.”