Patternmaking plus

Last month saw RMIT University proudly hailing the graduates of Victoria's first ever outworker patternmaking course. The 12 Vietnamese graduates - whose studies also included an English language component - were joined by their families, friends and a host of invited guests for the ceremony, with proceedings rounded off by a celebratory luncheon. The graduates are currently on work placements,which it is hoped will lead to invaluable employment opportunities.

:The Art of Fashion
The morning of August 8 saw Melbourne's fashion crowd taking a stroll up the red carpet a little earlier than usual to ring in this year's Motorola Melbourne Spring Fashion Week (MMSFW) - scheduled to take place from September 4 to 10. Guests mingled at a jamboree dotted with juggling clowns - in line with this year's theme of art and fashion - with many attendees clearly inspired to down champagne bubbles instead of the H20 alternative, despite the early hour. The launch concluded with a sparkling catwalk show topped off by the appearance of this year's face of MMSFW, Jessica Farrell.

:Heaven's helpers
The talents of Western Australia's top designers were put on display during the ninth annual Styleaid event late last month. In all 110 models, 30 make-up artists, 30 hairdressers and a backstage crew of more than 40 individuals contributed to the shindig, held to raise funds for the WA Aids Council as its continues on the road to find a cure. Among those whose talents were on display was Ae'lkami, One Fell Swoop, Joveeba, Lush Life, Preacher, SU, Belle Bijoux, Megan Salmon, the Merge collective and United Constructions.

:Sporty Soirée
Sportswear brand Puma celebrated the launch of its spring/summer 2006 collection by inviting the ladies to a spiffy cocktail lounge in Sydney. After taking in some cranberry cocktails and a serving of savoury canapes, lucky members of the crowd also took home special prizes including a $1K Puma wardrobe and a membership to Fitness First. Guests were also treated to a brief runway show with bright shorts, tanks and jumpers heralding the brand's move to more fashion savvy sportswear.