Fashion to the fore
11 December 2009
Kangan Batman TAFE's fashion, millinery and visual merchandising students took flight at this year's fashion parade "Come fly with me".
Federation Square's iconic BMW Edge was transformed into an aviator's delight on Tuesday December 8, with students from the Institute's Centre of Fashion combining their talents for the highly-regarded annual event.
Centre of Fashion manager Odile Higgins said the students have been preparing for the parade for the past few months.
"The event featured designs and creations from students in our fashion, millinery and visual merchandising qualifications, and provided us with an opportunity to present a range of awards across all study levels," she said.
"I must say that this year we are particularly proud of the outstanding results achieved by our advanced diploma students, including Donna Umile, winner of "Best" in the fantasy/theatrical category in the Australasian Young Designers Wool Awards and Kerry Hayes, winner of Best overall Millinery Exhibit at this year's Royal Melbourne Show.
"I might also add that at this year's Melbourne Cup at Myer Fashions on the field out of 900 applicants for race wear, 30 finalists were chosen of which 7 were our students. That is something to really be proud of."
The Come Fly With Me event was filled to capacity with a fashion-loving audience, who were treated to a glimpse of what the future of fashion holds in Australia.
A highlight of the evening was a special presentation by Melbourne fashion designer and former Centre of Fashion student Adam Tsen.
Centre of Fashion trainer and master milliner Paris Kyne paid tribute to Adam's work.
"Adam's design philosophy has been acknowledged by many others and has resulted in both national and international awards," Paris said.
"His work had been seen throughout numerous magazines and publication such as Madison, Grazia and Harpers Bazaar just to name a few. He is currently working on a new men's and women's collection, while also designing for his accessories brand."
Other features of the parade include a Fair@Square fair trade fashion presentation featuring designs from diploma students which explore natural fibres, natural dyes and/or recycled fabrics.
Award winners
- Judge's Runway Winner
Laura Keogh - VET in Schools Category
Monica Ying, Presentation College - Certificate III Category
Best Student Award - Rebekah Austin - Certificate IV Category
Best Student Award - Michelle Orec
Best Creative Use of Fabric Textiles Award - Melanie Steiszkal - Diploma Category
Best Student Design Award - Elle Simpas
Best Creative Use of Fabric Textiles Award - Tegan Hamilton
Best Student Pattern Engineering - Style CAD Award - Kirsten McGill - Advanced Diploma Category
Best Student Design Award - Hiroko Kuwahara
Best Creative Use of Fabric Textiles - Snezana Oroz
