SYDNEY: Innovative retailer 'The Graduate Store' has welcomed a new designer to its ranks.
The only one of its kind in Sydney, The Graduate Store is operated by six recent graduates of TAFE NSW's Fashion Design Studio with the support of The Strand shopping complex, TAFE NSW and fashion-industry sponsors.
Womenswear and accessory designer Sara Phillips will join existing members Andrea Cainero, Karla Spetic, Michael Le Sordo and Melissa Polynkova this month (January) in the next phase of the Graduate Store.
Phillips will make her debut with an aptly named 'Knit One, Purl One' collection, featuring wearable dresses, shirts and leggings, along with hand-knitted pieces such as cable knit shorts and aran knitted skirts. The designer has juxtaposed heavy winter fabrics with digitally printed kersey, voile and silk georgette.
A range of bright accessories, textured leather belts and bags will complement the fashion collection, which is priced from $200.
Co-founder of The Graduate Store Andrea Cainero said after operating the store for twelve months, its existing designers were looking forward to welcoming the new addition.
"Sara was chosen as much for her clever and sophisticated yet quirky sense of design, as she was for her organisational and business skills and her ability to slip cohesively into this already tight group of young entrepreneurs."