'Abstracts In A Major' Kangan Institute Fashion Graduate Event 2014

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I was invited to attend Kangan Institute end of year Fashion Graduate event. Being a former student of Kangan it was great to attend and feel welcomed once again. The event was held at the famous and well-known Federation Square, the section it was held in was a very spacious area known as the Deakin Edge. A number of well-known industry based fashion designers and people of the fashion industry community also attended the event to show support to the students and their pieces.

Pop Art / modern art was the theme of the artwork pieces inside the venue. Pop Art is a movement that appeared in the mid 1950’s in Britain. Pop Art is a form of “comic based” looking Art. The artwork was very impressive and was created by the Visual Merchandise students of Kangan.

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Students were waiting in anticipation to show off their collection pieces. All students throughout  the year levels were able to participate and show their collections. The music starts and the parade begins! Models gracefully parade the runway showing off the students remarkable pieces.

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Millie O'Toole

Showcasing a range of different fabrics and colour palettes. Garments ranged from swimwear, race wear all the way to bridal. Then expression clothing of their individual collection ideas. Millinery students also contributed to the event as well.

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Grace Price The runway was styled by high profiled stylist Franco Schifilliti for the event. I was impressed by all the pieces and what will be coming up in the future with this great marvelous talent that is on hand. Students with the most impressive and talented work were awarded vouchers and great opportunities with internships from Sussan and Perri Cutten just to name a few. All in all I was very impressed and will be eager to see these talented designers on our Australian market and what next years event will hold, as it is constantly growing and improving.

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Steph Nardella

Steph Nardella www.kangan.edu.au

Kangan  Students Interviews

Please take the time and read the students intriguing interviews. They express a lot of knowledge of what they have learnt during their time at Kangan and their student experience at Kangan Institute

Grace Price

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You’ve completed your advanced diploma of design at Kangan Tafe, tell us more about your experience with Kangan and what you have achieved since attending Kangan?

When I first visited Kangan three years ago I immediately fell in love with the atmosphere of the whole place, it felt like the teachers actually knew the students on a personal level and really cared about your work and the direction you wanted to take, regardless of what it was. And that was definitely proved to me over all the years that  

I have studied there. Each teacher has so much industry knowledge its ridiculous!

I began my diploma barely being able to sew a straight line and after three years I can now safely say that line is so straight there wouldn’t be a dry eye in the whole sewing room!

Kangan also encourages all students to participate in design competitions and many of the briefs they set for assessment are detailed to certain competitions. I have been lucky enough to receive a sustainable practices award from a TISA competition where I dyed organic fabric with onion skins, and more recently had three of my graduation collection pieces showed and MSFW.

Our Advanced Diploma class also got the opportunity to go to Jogjakarta for two weeks in July, to study the traditional technique of Batik. This was one of the best experiences of my life, the teachers and students we worked with were some of the most kind and generous people I have ever met. And the incredible things we learnt will forever be useful to me.

Our class left with an abundance of knowledge and a friendship that will last a lifetime.

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How did you come up with the idea to use the materials you used and why? Did you have a theme as well?

The theme for my Graduation collection was based on Fashion Illustrators and their use of watercolour. I love how unpredictable and unique every drawing is and that you just never really know how the colours will mix or where they will land on the page. I wanted to translate that concept into effortless Resort wear pieces. I love simplistic designs that are easy to wear but still have that exciting element that makes you want to never take it off.

I used a combination of silks, linen and techno spandex, all of which I hand dyed. I decided to hand dye my pieces instead of having them printed because I wanted a challenge and a chance to experiment with a field I am growing a great interest in. And a challenge is exactly what I got, it was so different for every piece and I definitely got better and allowed more freedom for every garment.

What was the process for creating your garments?

For me this was the hardest thing to do. I had several different ideas for my collection, and had to really narrow down what I wanted to do. I did trials, tests, sketches and research and finally come up with something that I loved and then hated and then fell in love with all over again! I feel it’s an idea I can continue to develop and grow with the use of different fabrics and dyes, it’s a collection where the ideas and possibilities are endless.

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What are your goals would you like to be an independent brand or work for a brand?

My goals for the moment is to find my place in this crazy fashion world. I love the industry and all the amazing opportunities it has to offer, but I don’t think having my own label is right for me (not just yet anyway). I’d be happy working for another brand, maybe something commercial?

Advice for anyone who is currently studying fashion?

Do exactly what you want, the fashion industry has a place for everyone and every idea you’ve just got to find where you’re meant to be!

Millie O'Toole

You've completed your advanced diploma of design at Kangan Tafe tell us more about your experience with Kangan and what you have achieved since attending Kangan.

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My experience with Kangan was a three-year journey full of great opportunities; competitions, placement in the industry, runway shows, award nights, being part of MSFW, a trip to Indonesia and the amazing graduate show.

I participated in many competitions throughout first and second year winning prizes and gaining exposure.

But it wasn’t until my final year where I fulfilled every opportunity thrown my way. This included an amazing trip to Yogyakarta, Indonesia with my classmates. We studied their traditional textile design ‘Batik’ with the local students and teachers from Yogyakarta State University. We formed lifelong friendships, saw beautiful sights and gained a skill not often seen until recently.

After this trip I was chosen to show three outfits in Melbourne Spring Fashion Week- emerging student runway 1. This was an amazing experience that taught me a lot about the industry and the lead up to a show. It gave me exposure and I was then approached for a photo-shoot using my menswear outfits.

Upon completing my final year we had a graduate runway show which featured all my outfits and saw me winning not one but two amazing awards, 2014 outstanding advanced diploma student and Outstanding runway collection award.

My time at Kangan won’t be forgotten as the teachers treat you like family and as they have worked in the industry they are able to pass on great knowledge that they have learnt firsthand. Their mentoring and endless encouragement brought the best out of us all.

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How did you come up with the idea to use the materials you used? and why? and your theme.

I came up with my theme ‘Industrial Luxe’ due to being inspired by the industrial buckles i found at a fabric store and materials used within architecture such as concrete, metal, rubber etc.

I mixed the different textures of soft and hard through my collection with the varying materials of denim, wool coating, hand knits against the heavier fastenings such as exposed zip details and the buckles.

The materials in the collection were chosen due to the collection being a capsule collection for A/W15. They were selected due to their fibre, colour, properties and texture. All the denim was hand dyed to create the concrete look, the ombre was hand created and the bold graphic print I designed myself from an image of a concrete feature wall I mirrored several times.

I wanted my urban collection to be cohesive with the colour palette and the individual pieces to be easily mixed and matched to create a modern outfit for both men and women of Melbourne.

What was the process to create your garments?

The process begun with forecasting the trends and undergoing copious amounts of research along with sketches. This turned into many designs that had to get condensed into a five outfit capsule collection. From there I made the patterns and fitted the toiles to my fit models and finally I completed the garments after this long process.

What are your goals would you like to be an independent brand or work for a brand?

My goal for the future is to work for a brand and develop more industry skills and later in life create my own brand either on the side or as a career.

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You won not one but two amazing awards. Outstanding Runway Collection Award and 2014 Outstanding Advanced Diploma Student. How did it feel to win such prestigious awards after completing your course?

I was shocked to hear my name read out for best advanced diploma student even though I had put my blood sweat and tears into the collection and the theory work throughout the year. This is due to being surrounded by so many talented designers.

And then for my name to be read out again for the best collection of the year was honestly the best feeling. I had so many emotions circulating through my mind from shock, to excitement and extreme pride for what had accomplished.

Advice for anyone who is currently studying fashion?

Stay true to yourself

Bec Waldmeyer

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You've completed your advanced diploma of design at Kangan Tafe tell us more about your experience with Kangan and what you have achieved since attending Kangan. We have been offered a lot of amazing experience which being at Kangan, especially this year with doing the advanced diploma. In June we were given the opportunity to go the Indonesia for two weeks to study Batik dyeing at the Yogyakarta State University. It was an incredible trip, we learnt so much about the countries incredible culture and of course about the beautiful art of batik. We met some amazing people and we also bonded a lot as a class which has made this year even better because we are all so close now.

I was also able about to be a part of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week's emerging runway 1 with some of my class mates. I still can't believe I was able to be apart of it. To be able to have your garments in MSFW while your still a student is amazing! I loved every part of the experience.

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I was so lucky to have the teachers that I did at Kangan, as I have learnt so much valuable knowledge from them that I will have with me forever. What was your theme for your collection? My theme was called 'Mirror Image". It was inspired by identical twins, in particular mirror twins. I have a twin brother so that's kind of where I got the idea from.

Congratulations on winning 2014 Textile innovation Award!

How long did it take you to create your collection? What was the process?

I made three digital prints and got them all printed at the hub. Laser cutting was also featured in my collection which I got made at Melbourne Laser Cutter. For my digital prints I used a photograph I took of a hydrangea in the botanical gardens. I then used photoshop to edit the photos into three different print designs using various mirroring, layering and rotating effects.

My laser cut design was inspired by the pattern of one of the three print designs. It took me a couple of days to create the prints  (from taking the photo to the finished products).

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I was really happy with the results! And it was great because I was able to get it all done on shore, which was important to me.

What are your future ambitions and goals in the industry?

I would like to one day own and design for my own label, but at the moment I'm happy. I really want to be working or interning for various companies to gain as much experience as I can.

Bec was awarded with a Perri Cutten internship

Brittney Hunt

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You've now completed your Advanced Diploma of design at Kangan Tafe we met six months prior to your completion. What's it like to have finished? What are your future plans?

I am super relieved to be finally finished studying, but it is sad because I am going to miss my class mates and teachers, because we have gotten so close over the past year.

 

As for future plans, I really just plan to get a job in the fashion industry and start at the bottom and after a lot of hard work, make it to the top.

How did you come up with the idea to use the materials you used and why? Did you have a theme as well?

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I really wanted to continue with the grass weaving technique I learnt from an Aboriginal Elder. I felt so honored to be taught the technique and I felt it was imperative to continue such a raw and unique part of Australian culture in my range. I then built the collection on top of this material so I named it 'Textured Androgyny' because I wanted to experiment and blend a whole heap of textured fabrics together into a collection while still making it marketable to a Melbourne clientele. I also wanted to achieve subtle sexuality in this collection, by having open backs, and cross bust darts. These days women walk around with their legs, stomach and chest out to get attention from men, and I just don't understand it. Clothing should empower women, not denigrate them.

what was the process to create your garments?

It honestly starts how every other collection starts, with a sketch then a pattern and then it is sewn. It sounds quite simple when you put it like that but it's still hours of work, but I love it all.

What are your goals would you like to be an independent brand or work for a brand?

I would love to start my own brand straight up after school but I honestly need the experience in an established design label first so I can learn in a business setting.

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You said that you wanted to create a knit wear range, tell us more.

I'm really excited about this next project of mine. Next year I will be developing a collection of high end knitwear basics, that are made and sold in Melbourne. I will be developing it on the side of hopefully getting a job in the industry but I am very confident and excited to start.

Advice for anyone who is currently studying fashion?

If you want to be in fashion for your whole life then definitely do it, but if you're just like meh I'll just do fashion, then don't. I know it is a bit harsh but there is sooo much that goes into just studying fashion. People seem to glamorize the fashion industry which is fair, but there is so much behind the scenes you don't see. It's many hours of overtime and extremely hard work. I know it's a bit harsh but it's the truth.I wish anyone studying good luck and I know it's hard right now but you will get there.

Yisha Wang

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You've completed your first year of your Diploma in Applied Fashion Design and Technology at Kangan. What is your current greatest achievement since attending Kangan?

I just finished my first year Diploma in Applied Fashion Design and Technology at Kangan Institute. I received Outstanding 1st Year Student 2014.  A set of marker pens and a Susan Internship. I was shocked and very happy.

 

How did you come up with the idea to use the 

materials you used and why? Did you have a theme as well?

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The material I used for my dress is 100% Cotton. I followed a Tom Ford brief our teacher gave us. The theme for my dress is Diamond Rain, a myth that unicorns showers in diamond rains.

Photo by: Bianca Fioritti for Aevoe

What are your goals for the fashion industry?

My goal is to make clothes that make people happy also as environmental friendly as possible. 

How do you keep motivated throughout your course?

Fashion is always the motivation. 

Well done to all the talented Kangan students. I wish them the best on their careers in the fashion industry!

Special thanks to

Kangan Institute,Melissa Jackson,Grace Price,Millie O'Toole,Bec Waldmeyer,Brittney Hunt and Yisha Wang

xxx

Stage Label MSFW 2014

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It was an unbelievable privilege to be invited to one of Melbourne’s exclusive Fashion shows - STAGE LABEL MSFW. Collaborated with the elite A list of who’s who in this iconic industry held in the regal palace namely, the MON BIJOU overlooking Melbourne’s vivid lights.

As the elevator doors slowly opened, my eyes gazed towards the opulence of the carefully created scene. The adrelenin of countless guests waltzing around the shimmering room tapping cheek to cheek with fancy cocktails in hand to mark their territory. We were cordially welcomed by beautiful host Letitia Sindt and Liam Hall and with a gracious greeting from CEO Rohit Bhargava.

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What made this event up close and personal was the interactive show case. Interactive you ask? Yes, guests flocked to communicate contentedly to designer’s who were mingling and happy to tell their stories around the plush busy suite. Engagement with the closeness of striking models professionally strutting on and off the narrow runway was breathtaking. The aroma of the fabrics swishing in the air as models raced past me was spectacular. The norm for these events you would be a part of the audience observing designer’s collection, not at this event, you were part of this stunning show. Excitingly gathering my thoughts walking up the staircase, people were whooshing past to make their statements to finalize last minute details. Throughout the evening I tapped shoulders with proprietor Mike of the successful Toni and Guy salons from St Kilda and Armadale as well as the prosperous Toni and Guy team also from St Kilda and Armadale locations. Thanks to Mike a backstage VIP pass was issued to me and did I grasp the opportunity to investigate the vibe. Backstage I had the prospect to meet another icon designer, Brittany, whom I will be featuring on my blog at a later stage.

The show had begun with models boasting each designer’s unique collection gliding down the runaway. I loved every moment of this extraordinaire showcase. Each designer showcased during the evening is featured in an interview steered by ROHIT below.

About Stage Label  Rohit Bhargava, StageLabel’s Creator and CEO, noticed countless talented designers were struggling to gain recognition in the highly competitive fashion industry. After witnessing himself that many of his peers unsuccessfully beginning their own label. Rohit had a vision and stage was born.  

launching in November 2013 StageLabel has already signed over 85 designers across Australia to it’s unique platform and will be launching international designers to our platform in the near future.

How does it work?

StageLabel provides pathways for our designers.
StageLabel connects emerging designers with a fashion forward community, who get to select which designers and garments are going to be successful on the platform, and in return, receive an early access period to pre-order limited run, custom made items as well as additional rewards and discounts for the first few backers for each Project.

It is a unique “crowd-funding for fashion” platform where fashion brands and labels can test, validate and fund individual designs from their collection, while giving members from our community access to unique, limited edition garments

Unlike traditional crowd-funding platforms, StageLabel aims to solve barriers faced specifically in the fashion industry.Where most crowd-funding platforms are used as a one-off source for an initial capital injection for a label, StageLabel helps designers test the market for individual designs from their collection pre-production

Focusing on working primarily with emerging designers, This allows designers to be smarter with the way they invest their limited capital and by providing the funds for the entire production run by pre-selling garments, we remove all the risks associated with creating and holding a large inventory of items.

In a short time since the début Stage Label. It has quickly established itself as one of Australia’s fastest growing and most exciting start up company. Recent achievements “Top 10 start ups to watch in 2014” Congratulations to the team. I cant wait to see this brand achieve more everyday helping others achieve their dream in the industry.


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Behind the scenes the crew from TONI & GUY. Fresh from the UK runway hairstyles. The team did a superb job with creating all the hairstyles for the show at stage label on the night.

May I add the most friendliest hairdressers I have met. All had such beautiful personalities it was a pleasure to had met them all. Fotor0913201921Rex chan Photography


Special thanks to CEO Rohit Bhargava for supplying me with these interviews of each desinger on the night. Like what you see? Head to https://www.stagelabel.com/projects to purchase your favourite garments from the night! As well all links to garments are below each photo.


Danielle Power-Silk 

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Your name: Danielle Power-Silk

Name of your label: Danielle Power-Silk

How the label started/ how long it has been around for:I've been designing since high school. I haven't launched my label yet.

Your background: 

New Zealand fashion designer now based in Melbourne. I have shown several of my own designs at New Zealand Fashion Week with one winning a highly commended award. I have also made it to the finals in two design competitions in New Zealand.

Your inspiration/ vision behind your collection: I have not released a collection yet. I am showing two of my designs from New Zealand Fashion Week. One of my dresses is inspired by the 1950s, my fur trim coat is inspired by Louise Brooks and Dita Von Teese, my monochrome print jacket is inspired by Chanel

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Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/danielle-power-silk/1950s-inspired-dress-by-dps

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Left Jacket: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/danielle-power-silk/monochrome-print-jacket-by-dps Center Coat: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/danielle-power-silk/return-to-glamour-by-dps Right Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/danielle-power-silk/1950s-inspired-dress-by-dps

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Left Jacket: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/danielle-power-silk/monochrome-print-jacket-by-dps Right Jacket: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/danielle-power-silk/dps-blouse


Your name: Samantha Lentini

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Name of your label: s.L.c The Label

Stands for: Samantha Lentini Creative

How the label started/ how long it has been around for? 

Started working on it in Jan 2014, launched online store in June, 2014. ! !

Your background in fashion?

After graduating with a Bachelor of Design (Fashion) in 2012 at accredited Australian fashion institution RMIT, Samantha Lentini, the brains behind s.L.c, dabbled in many types of fashion. It was not until her graduate year when a like for creating fully functional clothing with slight quirky accent was discovered

s.L.c the label began its conception when a considerable gap was discovered within the Australian fashion market for flatteringly comfortable and easy-to-wear garments with an understandable price-tag.

Your inspiration/ vision behind your collection? 

Through pattern placement, fabric selection & overall cut, s.L.c seeks to create a look that is highly C.C.C: Clean, Cool & Comfortable. Furthermore, it prides itself on its highly creative design process. All prints are derived from Samantha's original hand-drawn illustrations which have been resolved with necessary technical modifications.

This collection is heavily underpinned by three things: wearability, comfort and form. It works under the strong belief that style is & should always remain easy.

Things to not forget My digital prints are 100% original, derived from my own hand-drawn illustrations. I proudly manufacture in Australia

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The line box crew : https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/s-l-c-the-label/the-line-box-crew

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Tee: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/s-l-c-the-label/the-oxen-b-w-muscle-tee

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Left Tee: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/s-l-c-the-label/the-line-muscle-tee Center The Line Box Crew: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/s-l-c-the-label/the-line-box-crew Right Tee: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/s-l-c-the-label/the-oxen-b-w-muscle-tee

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Left Tee: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/s-l-c-the-label/the-oxen-b-w-muscle-tee Right Tee: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/s-l-c-the-label/the-oxen-raglan

Styling tip: Pop them on with basic bottoms (leathers, denims, marl greys) and you're good to go!


Kev Koyu: KKOYU

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Your name : Kev koyu

Name of your label : Kkoyu

How the label started/ how long it has been around for :I am currently working on launching my label, as it is now progress. I have started last year after I registered as a designer at fashion gala ( butterfly foundation) charity event.

Your background: Currently studying fashion design and technology at RMIT.  I've realized how much I wanted this and, now, working to hopefully towards launching my label. As I am still 19 years old, I have a  lot to learn. I do not want rush into something that is beyond my reach. I am Ambitiously working hard, experiencing and learn about the fashion industry.

My vision for KKOYU is to depict modesty and sophistication. I truly believe modesty is a way of elegance and class. It is what every woman should have.  

Your inspiration/ vision behind your collection 

This mini collection is based on the inner beauty of flower. I am inspired by flower movement of wind, layers and the shaping of variety of flowers. I've looked into monet garden as a research.  When females wear these pieces I want them to embrace their inner beauty. regardless of age or time we should always be beautiful in what we wear, this range truly depicts the feminine nature within us.

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Left Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/flap-stripe-t-shirt Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/monet-skirt Center Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/pedal-dress Right Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/panel-dress

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Left Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/flap-stripe-t-shirt Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/monet-skirt

Right Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/pedal-dress

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Left Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/pedal-dress Right Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/panel-dress gn Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/leafy-top Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/kkoyu/leafy-skirt

Styling tip:  Whilst I was designing these looks, i wanted to suit  wide range of customers. So with each garment you can dress it up or down changes to your event. A pair of suede heels and oversize coat, or nike sneakers under the pedal dress. Will look great either way.  The colour platte is neutral so embrace bright colours through your lipstick choice or accessory choices.


Ashleigh Becker: AshMaybe

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 Your name: Ashleigh Becker

Name of your label: Ash MayBe

How the label started/ how long it has been around for: Since the end of 2013, after I finished university

Your background: I have always been a creative person, but came to focus on fashion, probably because of my love for clothes. I studied at RMIT, and now have a Bachelor in Applied Science - Fashion Technology. This course gave me the skills and knowledge to start my own label.! Your inspiration/ vision behind your collection: I love working with bright coloured fabrics, and combining two fabrics within a garment. The two dresses are a perfect example of this. The t-shirt and playsuit were inspired by all the mesh that is around at the moment, and combining two textures within a garment, instead of colours.

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Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/ash-maybe/the-majorca-dress-stripes

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Garments from left to right  Dress (sunglass print)https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/ash-maybe/the-majorca-dress-sunnies Playsuit: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/ash-maybe/victoria-playsuit Tee: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/ash-maybe/elizabeth-tee Dress (stripes):  https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/ash-maybe/the-majorca-dress-stripes

A styling tip for each piece: The Majorca dresses can be worn casually on a summers day, paired with black sandals and accessories. Or dressed up for a night out, with some sleek heels, and a black clutch. Similarly, the Elizabeth Tee can be dressed up, or down. It would look great with some denim shorts, or leather-look leggings, and heels. The Victoria Playsuit is more suited as eveningwear, with some elegant heels, black clutch, and subtle jewellery.

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Left Playsuit: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/ash-maybe/victoria-playsuit Right Tee: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/ash-maybe/elizabeth-tee


Brittney Hunt: Brittney Ann

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 Your name: Brittney Hunt Label name: Brittney Ann

How the label started/ how long has it been around for: Brittney Ann is a relatively new label and was only started this year

Back ground: I have always been interested and intrigued by fashion and have currently studied the Advanced Diploma of fashion design and technology at Kangan Institute. When finishing school I aim to produce and sell my own brand of clothing under Brittney Ann and to eventually open up my very own shop in Melbourne.

Inspiration: I was originally inspired by texture for this collection as you can see in the velvet jackets and the dots on the minky dot dress. It was then I experimented in weaving and was taught by an aboriginal elder to weave baskets out of matt rush grass, I then interpreted this technique into my own style, hence where the grass top and hats were born. This collection is based on textural fabrics, androgynous silhouettes with elegant touches such as open backs and ambiguous darts.

Styling tips: The ready wear pieces can be styled together for day or night. With exception of the grass woven top which is an avant-garde piece and she only be worn on special occasions.

Having been told by Brittney herself backstage, about her exquisite collection she had created. I was literally blown away by her hand crafted garments & pieces  the texture and feel was divine giving it more appeal to her collection  

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Left Woven grass top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/brittney-ann/woven-grass-top Pants: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/brittney-ann/gor-pant Right Hat: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/brittney-ann/grass-hat Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/brittney-ann/little-black-dress Coat: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/brittney-ann/teal-velvet-jacket 

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Dress: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/brittney-ann/white-minky-dot-dress Hat: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/brittney-ann/small-grass-hat Coat: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/brittney-ann/velvet-coat

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Emma Lockey - EMMA LOCKEY

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Your name: Emma Lockey

Name of your label: EMMA LOCKEY

How the label started/ how long it has been around for? This is a new start up company, launching its first collection with Stage Label during Melbourne Spring Fashion Week 2014

Fashion Background:

I am a Fashion Design and Technology student at Kangan Institute Richmond, doing my final year of the Advanced Diploma. Colour has always inspired me and I love to experiment with different textures, colours and patterns. Having grown up in Singapore i was immersed  in different cultures this influenced and inspired an oriental touch throughout most collections. I’ve always been involved in theatre – both acting and costume design which has informed my approach to fashion design – bringing  an element of the theatrical to everyday.

Your inspiration/ vision behind your collection?

Inspired by the 60s Beatle mania, flower power and a kaleidoscope of colour. This collection – Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds brings  colours and patterns inspired from the Beatles song – so Picture yourself in a boat on a river. With tangerine trees and marmalade skies. Close fitting faux suede bustier and a knit dress or top, teamed with quilted metallic highlighted separates. These combine to carry you through from  the office into the night with an exciting range of looks to make heads turn

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LSD collection is all about having fun – bringing colour to winter, and being adaptable and versatile. This collection moves from day to night and can be accessorised with casual flat shoes or heels, but pair the collection with high platforms to fully compliment its 60s origins. Similarly have fun with hair and makeup – tease up hair and line and shadow eyes to bring flower power back!! !

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Corset: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/emma-lockey/suede-corset Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/emma-lockey/quilted-metallic-mini-skirt

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Corset: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/emma-lockey/suede-corset Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/emma-lockey/quilted-metallic-mini-skirt

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Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/emma-lockey/lucy-in-the-sky-with-diamonds-knit-top Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/emma-lockey/beehive-skirt Coat: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/emma-lockey/kaleidoscope-coat


Helani Sarath- Kumara: Gather & Stitch 

STAGELABEL

Your name: Helani Sarath-Kumara

Name of your label: Gather and Stitch

How the label started/ how long it has been around for:  I started Gather and Stitch in 2010 about 6 months after finishing a degree in Visual Communication at UTS. In 2009 when I was visiting Sri Lanka, I was in a rural village where they did not have enough money to finish building a building to teach children (after school tuition given free of charge to monetarily disadvantaged children).  I saw this building at the time and wondered if there was anything we could do back in Australia to help out. I started planning a fashion show to raise the money and also to launch the label. I created Gather and Stitch in order to do the fashion show and it took off after that. On the 29th of August 2010, the fashion show raised $5000 (the building is finished now!) and attracted 315 guests.! !

The fashion show was co organised by my now husband, his expertise and know-how contributed heavily to its success. There was also around 52 friends who helped make that day work from sound to make-up to backstage - everything happened because of them. For the last 4 years I have created a studio from home and use this as the base for Gather and Stitch. It has grown into a couture fashion label, as well as including hair and make-up artistry as a service.! !

Your background: Background in Design - Bachelor of Visual Communication @ University of Technology Sydney. ! !

Your inspiration/ vision behind your collection: Summer sunsets, ice-cream, the beautiful 'blues' and 'pinks' the sky and ocean make at dusk.

When each garment arrived out on the runway. The elegance to each garment came alive, the beautifully textured lace garments each piece was so gently and beautifully created. It had a romantic and elegant vibe to each.

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Left Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/golden-caramel-top  Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/golden-carmel-skirt

Right Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/sweet-strawberry-top  Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/strawberry-sorbet-skirt

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Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/sweet-strawberry-top Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/strawberry-sorbet-skirt

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   Left Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/sweet-strawberry-top Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/strawberry-sorbet-skirt

Right Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/strawberry-mint-top Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/mint-sorbet-skirt

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Left Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/strawberry-mint-top Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/mint-sorbet-skirt

Right Top: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/mint-sorbet-top Skirt: https://www.stagelabel.com/projects/gather-and-stitch/cotton-candy-skirt

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Styling tips:

Sweet Strawberry Top with Strawberry Sorbet Skirt is Best worn - together with cream/nude heels

Sweet Strawberry Top - Can be worn as seen OR with black, white, cream, pink pants or skirt Strawberry Sorbet Skirt - Can be worn as seen OR with tight or loose top that is plain or patterned to match Mint Sorbet Top with Cotton Candy Skirt is best worn - together with cream/nude heels

Sweet Strawberry Top - Can be worn as seen OR with black, white, cream, pink pants or skirt

Strawberry Sorbet Skirt - Can be worn as seen OR with tight or loose top that is plain or patterned to match

 Strawberry Mint Top with Mint Sorbet Skirt is best worn - together with cream/nude heels

Sweet Strawberry Top - Can be worn as seen OR with black, white, cream, pink pants or skirt.Best worn together with gold or nude heels Golden Carmel Skirt - best worn with Golden Carmel Top

Le blonde Fox xx

 Special thanks to CEO Rohit Bhargava