First Kiss Event 2014

in
firstkisss

There's a quote from 'A Walk To Remember' that goes -“It wasn't that long, and it certainly wasn't the kind of kiss you see in movies these days, but it was wonderful in its own way, and all I can remember about the moment is that when our lips touched, I knew the memory would last forever.”

firstkisseight

Melbourne, Australia fashion designer Danielle Fosberry hosted “First Kiss”. Danielle explained to me before the night about what was installed for all and had given me this quote on what the night was inspired by.

Showcasing 15 designers at Melbourne renowned nightclub Room 680.

It was such an extraordinary and magical event to finish off the year. Unlike any other fashion event I have ever attended. This event was innovative and a creative one that will definitely be a memorable one to myself and all that attended.

Upon arrival anticipation and excitement was all around. Once entered the venue lights were dim and I had noticed roses hanging down around the bar, delicately wrapped around fairy lights. As I glanced around the area

jessandi

 There were different sets designs and props around, ready for each local designer to showcase their collection. The club was transformed into a studio of art.

Melbourne’s renowned make up artist Jessica Bell was one of the make up artist for the event. Creating make up looks back to back. I was able to get a sneaky peak to see her backstage! Which was great to see her style and techniques in action.

firstkissfive

The event showcased 15 different local designers. Ranging from students to graduates from various fashion schools in Melbourne. From short captivating performances and pop up installations that stimulated all senses through audio, visual and emotion.

firstkissone

Each designer had different unique pop-up show installations that expressed each designer’s concept. Every performance was so different and unique in everyway. Each collection was presented in a timely order. One would finish and another would start there was never a dull moment at this event.

firstkissthree

     I felt different emotions and mesmerized by the performance art pieces that were on display that night. All eyes were on each performance, as you were not able to take your eyes off the garments throughout the show.

firstkissnine

As I wrapped up for the night, walking outside in the brisk night warm air. The event left an everlasting impact on me not only creativity inspired but memorable, as I reminisced about it during the night just like my first kiss…..

SHOWCASING DESIGNERS

firstkisssix

Danielle Fosberry, Ruskin Black, Jacinta Raquel, Morgan Jia, Natasha I'Anson, Evaleen Motoska, Debbie Yann, Yang TC Casey Demko, Nathaly Munoz, Laura Brennan,Miranda Dickinson, Adriana Maiolo, Michelle Rand and Emma Zammit

I interview some of the designers that contributed in the event .Check them out, as they express their idea concepts and how they went about their collection.

DANIELLE FOSBERRY

How did you all come up with the idea and concept for this event? 

photo7

We wanted to create a very fun, performative and interactive fashion event. As most of the ideas and concepts become lost when presented on a runway.

We wanted to give local talents around Melbourne the chance to collaborate on an event, as we feel that the possibilities are endless through collaborations, as everyone has such amazing ideas.

It's not everyday that you find an organization or venue that is willing to help support and promote local talents. Room680 has put their complete faith in everyone involved and has encouraged everyone to be as creative as they would like.

danielleone

What year are you currently in at RMIT?

 I have just completed my 3rd year of the RMIT's Bachelor of Design (Fashion) Honours and will be entering my final year as of March.

I have previously graduated from the RMIT Diploma of Advanced Fashion Design and Technology (as mentioned above) at the Brunswick campus, then transferred over to the Honours Degree.

daniellethreee

With your collection, how long did it take you to create?

My collection consists of various pieces that I have created over my last 2 years of the RMIT City degree. Over the past few weeks, I then created various add-on garments to create entire looks.

 Did you have a theme for the collection you presented at the event? 

I personally did not have a theme in mind for my collection, as my style is constantly changing.

I guess you could say that this collection is quite tailored, structured and slightly dark. It seems to be the style of clothing I have been attracted to lately. However, most of my work tends to consist of leather and structured silhouettes. photo

danielletwo

What are your future goals and dreams for the fashion industry?

I would ideally love to intern overseas for a large international label, possibly then work for them for a couple of years and then eventually start my own label. Fingers crossed!

Advice for anyone who is currently studying fashion?

Studying fashion requires a lot of hard work and dedication. You're not 'just sewing' or 'just drawing pretty pictures' which is the opinions I often hear. If you love it and enjoy it, then hang in there as there will obviously be some tough moments, but it's definitely worthwhile.

Personally I have used uni as an advantage to experiment with my creativity, innovation and ideas. It's a period where I can be as crazy as I'd like, without worrying about hitting sales targets and a large consumer base, which is expected once you enter the industry

JACINTA RAQUEL

photo4

I am currently studying Bachelor of Fashion Design (Honours) at RMIT University, in the city campus. I have just completed my 3rd year and will be working on my final graduate collection next year in 2015.

What was your theme for your collection? How did you come up with the idea to use the materials you used and why?          

My theme was all about the fascinating changes in nature- emphasizing the journey from caterpillar to chrysalis (cocoon) and finally to butterfly. Therefore; I wanted to use materials, textures and colours which embodied this poetic story of a shift in structure, form, colour and persona. To show the varying tones within nature’s creations- I hand-dyed the green fabric used in the first caterpillar dress which exposed pattern and added depth and dimension; bringing the ‘creature’ to life!

To mimic the texture of the caterpillar. I used a heat gun to create bubbled shibori on the green gown. The chrysalis garments signified the ethereal, delicate stage of the butterfly encased in the cocoon, vulnerability represented in the sheaths of tulle, delicate and transparent, sheer fabrics which encased the female form. Lastly, the butterfly garments were uplifting and vivaciously coloured - using patterns, structural forms and feathers to symbolize this new-found form that has just hatched and has been freed!

Another contributing factor to the materials used in my designs; was the ease of movement that I had to ensure I provided for the models and dancers, especially.

phototwoo

What was the process for creating your garments?

In my fashion practice, process to me is just as vital; if not more important than the final product. The process of design is magical when I let my imagination go wild and pages come alive.. When fabric is manipulated and a transformation of shape and form takes place...and when a thought finally comes into fruition! It is why I am a designer.

For this collection, I was under time pressure- having only about a week and a half to produce five out of the six garments I showcased. I began by trawling through my visual inspiration books filled with my research on metamorphosis. Sourcing the fabrics and trims sparks more inspiration as to what to create; and I begin to drape on the stand. I use quite an organic, spontaneous approach to design- surrendering to where the process takes me- often simultaneously working between draping on the stand to flat pattern-making and sketching. I used a mixture of hand-stitched finishes and details; as well as machine-made.

My design process/philosophy

‘A single thought: a seed of inspiration sown, lovingly nurtured from paper to fabric until it blossoms into a beautiful, honest reflection on life itself'

photfourrrr

Explain your idea and inspiration to have your collection presented so theatrical?

I wanted to design a collection that will take the audience on a transformative journey of profound change; representing the transient beauty of nature through wearable art. A dreamlike concoction of vivid colours and inspired textures to let one’s imagination take flight…. representing the metamorphosis of a caterpillar to butterfly in an out-of-the-ordinary way. It had an important narrative to tell and I wanted the audience to really connect and feel. Fashion has the capability to move people...if you let it!

I find awe and wonder in the simplest things in life; and wanted to produce a show that emphasises the often dismissed changes in the world that surrounds us- resulting in a more theatrical, exaggerated show. I have a background in the performing arts- and I thought that an event like ‘First Kiss’ would be the perfect opportunity to combine my two passions! I teamed my wearable art, conceptual garments with an evocative mix of contemporary and lyrical dance to portray mood. I believe that music and dance is incredibly expressive- the idea of movement can speak louder than words and can entrance one into a fantastical world! I wanted the garments themselves to have a personality- each portraying the three stages of metamorphosis: the quirky, elegant caterpillar, to the whimsical, delicate nature of the chrysalis….to the beautiful vibrancy of the newly freed butterfly. When the model or dancer put on the garment; my aim was for them to embody the character through how the garment made them feel.

photothreeeee

And lastly what do you eventually want, to create your own label or work for a label

In the future, I endeavour to create my own fashion label. It's something that I have dreamed of since I was young. I am a very individual person and would love the freedom to establish my own unique mark in the local and international fashion industry. However, when I graduate I hope to travel overseas and work within the industry for other labels first to gain experience and skills that I hope to apply to my own label someday.

Follow my design journey on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jacinta-Raquel-JR-Design/617266008292167

or www.jacintaraquel.com (website currently being updated- under construction)

Jacinta Raquel- JR Design

CASEY  DEMKO

You’ve graduated rmit with two courses under your belt and you specialise in wool construction!

casey

Tell us what does that entail? And when and how did you know you wanted to specialise in that area?

I've graduated from two RMIT courses. The first I completed was the Associate Degree in Fashion Technology where I made the choice I become a knitwear major. I carried that through to my second course where I completed the Bachelor of Applied Science (Fashion Technology). At the beginning of the first course students we offered the choice to do main stream or the knitwear component after industry feedback to the university said there was a lack of skill in this area. I've always loved knitting, my grandmother taught me when I was young so I decided why not learn the industrial side of things. I am of the first ever to graduate from the knitwear major, I'm one of only 6. It's similar to the main stream course however it's more specialised and at certain times we had more classes and I feel, a heavier workload... But that's just personal opinion!

phot908

what inspired your collection? And during the event how did you come about your garden theme? It was so adorable I loved it!

Thank you! Last year I visited Monet's garden in France on a study tour with uni. I fell in love with the beauty and vibe of the place. while it was so visually rich there was this overwhelming feeling that I just can't describe, it was luscious, full of time and just gorgeous. I used this inspiration an earlier collection which was actually lingerie and then carried it through to the dresses you seen on the night. I also drew inspiration from traditional handcrafts such as crochet, beading and of course knitting. As I have a strong passion for handcrafts it is always present in all my collections.

I was fascinated by your story on your crochet daisy dress, what inspired you to do this

At the begging I was really suffering from a creative block, one day I was experimenting crochet flowers to create earrings, and I just thought if I could crochet a lot of then why not make a dress? And really that's how it come about, it sort of just hit me...

firstkissten

What pros and cons did you encounter while creating such a beautiful piece?

When I'm asked this it's easy to think of the cons, being an end of year piece for uni I found it quiet stressful. The dress is made from over 450 crochet flowers with a Swarovski crystal attached to the center of each and I had to work solely to tight dead lines as well as create the other pieces and of course all the rest that goes with completing an assessment. The pros are obviously the beauty of it. Hand made is always precious and while at times I did find it stressful it was worth it, I completed it... I made something timeless and gorgeous and that I'm extremely proud of.

During the night you explained to me how you added the metallic yarn within your dress, explain to everyone how you did this?

For this particular dress I created it on an industrial knitting machine which I worked closely with a knitwear technician to achieve. The metallic yarn is called lurex, which I used in a technique called plating. The dress was made using a whole garment machine- which means it literally came off the machine as a finished garment. So anyway, plating is achieved by running two end of lurex through the machine keeps on the inside of the fabric that is being knitted. We call this side the technical back. For the teapot motifs the stitches are reverse so that the backside comes through the front as so the silver picture of a teapot appears. It can be difficult to describe without using knitwear lingo, which won't make sense to people with no industrial knit knowledge.

phto7090

What are your future plans?

I’ve just recently moved into a studio in the nicolous building on Swanston street. My plans are to work in industry to fund my dreams of running my label Casey Marie.

What advice do you have for future students in the industry?

My advice to students is to stay positive, keep true to yourself and focus on the bigger picture of getting yourself to where you want to be.

Special thanks to Danielle Fosberry 

Jacinta Raquel Casey Marie Demko xxx

Photo Credit 

Defiant Arts

Michael Woods Photography

Shaun Photography

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

in ,
header
photo 1.PNG

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.

Jersey Pair
Steph Bull Wool 1

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.

Millie_Louis 1

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.

grace pair
grace 1

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.

Amy Bridal (2)

Amy Lawrance

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

grace price

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.

MAR-image1(hut)

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.

MAR-image2(pouty)

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.

IMG_20141216_230052

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.

Millie Trio

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.

Millie Calvin 2

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

becphoto

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.

bechtree

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).

bectwo

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

brit

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?

britts work

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.

britt'swork

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

YW

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?

photone

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