The four fashion graduates preparing to hit the runway at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week (RAFW) have provided a sneak peak of their designs.
As first revealed in Ragtrader's March 11 edition, this year's 'The Innovators' catwalk parade at RAFW will play host to the designs of TAFE Fashion Design Studio graduates Charlotte O'Carrigan, Leah Hibbert, Emma Mulholland and Anna Westcott.
Graduate Charlotte O'Carrigan has provided a snapshot of one of her earth-toned designs (pictured right). The remainder of O'Carrigan's RAFW collection will feature second hand material, natural fabrics such as wool, silks and leather and a heavy dose of hand knitting.
Fellow graduate Leah Hibbert's collection is made from fused silks, worsted wools and cottons, and a bright colour palette is complimented by embellishments including large quartz beads and perspex.
Emma Mullhollands's collection draws on 1990s surf culture and showcases digital prints, tie dye and sequins, while Anna Westcott's range showcases digital prints as well as fringing and roping.
The annual 'The Innovators' parade provides Fashion Design Studio graduates a platform to launch their careers. Head teacher Nicholas Huxley said the four graduates selected to partake in RAFW in 2011 had a “strong work ethic” and “great design approach”.
“The chosen ones have to be highly professional, have a strong sense of innovative and creative design and must be ready to tackle the rigorous journey in the fashion industry,” Huxley said.
“I feel very proud of 2011's innovators.”
The Innovators RAFW parade will be held on Thursday May 5 at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney.
Alumni of the Fashion Design Studio include Dion Lee, Akira Isogawa, Alex Perry, Lisa Ho, Nicky Zimmermann and Romance Was Born's Luke Sales and Anna Plunkett.