Richmond: the new centre for fashion?
MELBOURNE: A $4.6 million clothing, millinery and retail centre is set to help Melbourne claw back its position as Australia's fashion capital.
Three months after controversially withdrawing its funding commitment to Australian Trans-seasonal Fashion Week, the Victorian Government has loosened its purse strings and sponsored a new Richmond facility for TAFE students.
Based in Cremorne Street and currently under construction, the Centre of Fashion will be an extension of the Kangan Batman TAFE campus and include state-of-the-art production equipment, workshops and industry facilities with a four star environmental rating.
Kangan Batman TAFE fashion and retail manager Odile Higgins said it aimed to incorporate fashion, retail and millinery programs for individuals and industry.
"It is about setting standards and pursuing quality in all that we do. Students need to have an understanding of all aspects of the fashion industry from design, product production to merchandising and marketing."
The Centre of Fashion will offer more than 20 courses - from garment construction, haute couture, draping, millinery, retail and design - and facilitate 740 full-time, part-time, traineeship and vocational students when it opens its doors in 2008.
In addition to training and educational programs, Higgins said the centre would also provide students with "real-life" retailing experience through a built-in clothing and accessories store. The shop, which will operate throughout the year, will include window displays, contemporary shop fittings and a computerised cash register. A permanent catwalk located in the foyer area will also cater for live events, in-house student parades and millinery exhibitions.
Higgins said the centre's central location in Richmond, which borders the popular shopping strips of Bridge Road, Swan Street, Chapel Street, Toorak Road, High Street and the Melbourne City district, would mean students had direct access to industry members.
"Students are being located close to suppliers, retailers and potential employers and have the ability to build partnerships with industry through practical placement."
While no official opening date has been confirmed, classes at the Centre for Fashion are expected to start early next year.
By Assia Benmedjdoub