Kangan Batman TAFE student wins fashion award
12 February 2004
Kangan Batman TAFE Fashion Studies student Phong Tam Kim from Lalor has won an award for his hand-crafted garment at a presentation event in the Melbourne Town Hall last week.
Phong’s award was for the Flinders Quarter “Hand Worked to Wear” Student Award 2004. The wearable craft award is for ‘emerging’ designer/makers who display innovation and excellence in the art of textile-based, hand-crafted garments and accessories.
The presentation last Friday evening was an open event with three categories of Student Designer, Emerging Designer (in business less then 5 years) and Established Designer (in business over 5 years).
His original dress design featured gathering of sheer fabric with an origami style folded skirt. The garment is on display for a week in the window of Alice Euphemia, Flinders Lane, Melbourne. Phong’s award was a $1,000 cheque which he will use to buy mannequins for his future creations.
Kangan Batman TAFE Fashion Studies Manager, Mandy Penton, said Phong was a hard working student who goes that extra mile to achieve his goals. “He has actively involved himself Fashion Studies events and activities, including designing the invitations for the Annual Fashion Parade for the last three years.”
“He has also entered lots of other fashion competitions and last year won the EcoRecyle Zero Waste Cup Fashion Challenge with fellow Kangan Batman TAFE students Tham Nguyen and Grace Wang,” said Mandy.
Last year Phong also undertook work experience in Vietnam with Nam of London tailors for two weeks which he described as a excellent learning experience.
When he finishes his Advanced Diploma of Textiles, Clothing and Footwear, Phong’s aim is to develop his own label and business in Melbourne. While very excited by his recent win, Phong says it took a bit longer initially for his family to accept his chosen career path. “I am the first one in my family to do anything like this. I was interested in creative activities and the course has allowed me to be very creative.”
The Award was judged by leading designers Fiona Scanlon, Michael Glover and Craft Victoria’s Abigail Crompton. Judges considered patternmaking, embellishment/surface decoration, construction, use of materials, finishing and concept, and quality of production.
The Awards were sponsored by the Flinders Quarter Association Inc and the City of Melbourne with patrons Nicola Cerini Australia, Frock Fairies and Rosalin Sadler.
