Fashion students top Australasian Young Designers Wool Awards
15 August 2005
Tracy Osborne (right) with her winning entry.
Kangan Batman TAFE's most talented fashion students dominated last week's Australasian Young Designers Wool Awards, taking out first prize in three categories, as well as the exclusive Handbury scholarship. Another student took out the third prize in one of the categories.
Mother and former PA Tracy Osborne, who not only came first in the Evening Wear and Active Daywear categories, was awarded the Handbury prize because of her innovative use of wool. The prize consists of a two-week, all expenses paid scholarship with one of the most prestigious fashion schools in Milan.
Jessica Stanley, from Altona North, took out the first prize in the Daywear category with her 1940s inspired jacket and pencil skirt. Advanced Diploma student Candice Folkard from Melton came third in the same section.
The Wool Awards were held on 31 July in Hamilton, south-west of Victoria. There were fifty-five entrants from various schools, universities and fashion schools competing in the five categories. The Wool awards form part of Hamilton Sheepvention, the leading wool show and field day held in August.
'It's a dream come true for Jess and I,' said Tracey. 'I am just so looking forward to designing and making more outfits.
'The staff at Kangan Batman TAFE have been a great support and are always ready to help when I pester them, which I did on a regular basis!'
Tracey, from the Macedon Ranges, impressed the judges with her 'Patchwork Quilt Dress' made of pale-blue jersey wool. It took out the first prize in the Eveningwear category, was inspired by a quilt she had made for her children.
'I ended up liking the back more than the front, so I used this for the design of the gown,' said Tracey.
Tracey was also awarded first place in Active Sportswear for her 'Sixties Swing Top and Cheeky Shorts' made out of bright orange wool fabric.
'When people think of wool, they immediately picture dark colours like blacks, browns and greys,' she said. 'I wanted the wool to convey a different feeling, so I stayed away from these dark colours in my designs.
'I loved the pale blue in the patchwork dress - it reminds me of the colour used for babies' blankets. '
Tracey said she had always loved fashion, and had an interest in it even while she was working as a PA.
'It wasn't until I had children that I really got into sewing for them.'
She is currently undertaking her second year of a Diploma in Textiles, Clothing and Footwear, and she said she is looking forward to the Advanced Diploma next year, where she will have a chance to make more complicated garments.
'I've been nicknamed 'Mum' in my class because I'm a bit older than the rest of the students,' said Tracey. 'But the kids are all beautiful - we really support each other in everything we do.'
She says she eventually would like to have her own label named Cherokee Valley Designs after her farm.
'I can't wait to enter the next competition that comes along!' Tracey said.
Jessica too, always had an interest in fashion.
'I was really involved in dancing when I was younger and mum always used to make my outfits,' said Jessica. 'I'd always play around with the scraps of fabric that were left over.'
Candice Folkard, who came third in the Daywear section for her four piece outfit, was completely surprised when her name was called out.
'I was happy just to have my outfit paraded, so it was a bonus to win the third prize!' she said.
Her outfit, which consisted of a skirt, a top, a short jacket and leggings, was inspired by the style of clothing worn by the ancient Romans.
Candice will be competing again in the Fashion Eisteddfod in September, as she has been selected as a finalist.
Merrilyn Partos, Kangan Batman TAFE fashion studies teacher, said she was extremely proud of the students.
According to Merrilyn, competing in the Wool awards is great experience for the students.
'The award criteria is based on curriculum material - entrants had to submit their storyboards, design and concept briefs as well as the finished garment.'
She is also very happy with the renewed emphasis on the use of wool.
'A lot of people don't understand the character of the natural fibre that wool is,' said Merrilyn. 'I've taught my students to appreciate it better - it drapes better, sews better and breathes very well.
Many other fashion students from Kangan Batman TAFE have achieved success in state and national level competitions.
Students have competed and won awards in the Australian Gown of the Year, the Textile Institute Student Design Competition and the Golden Gown Awards just to name a few.
Kangan Batman TAFE's fashion courses are delivered at the Broadmeadows campus.
For more information on any of the courses, please contact the Customer Service Centre on (03) 9279 2555.
