BRITTNEY ANN

Student Feature BRITTNEY ANN Meet current fashion design student Brittney Hunt. She currently attends Kangan Tafe Richmond campus.

I met Brittney at Stage Label MSFW event. Her collection Brittney Ann was showcased on the night. I had quickly interviewed Brittney backstage.We instantly connected apart from both having attended the same tafe but as well her beautiful and friendly personality.

Her inspiration and ideas were magnificent, as she explained that an aboriginal elder had taught her to grass weave.

Below Brittney explains more in depth about herself and the collection.

How long have you wanted a career in fashion?  My Whole life!

Before Kangan had you previously studied anything else?
 Before Kangan I completed my VCE along with completing a short course for retail.


You’re currently a student at Kangan Tafe in your third year of your advanced diploma of design, tell us more about your current experience with Kangan and what you have achieved since attending Kangan.

When I look back I have learnt so much and although the experience has been stressful it's also been very enjoyable. There is such amazing people at Kangan who have surrounded me having contributed to this beautiful experience. Most of the teachers at Kangan are fantastic. My favourite being Tunku who is my sewing and pattern making teacher. Kangan also organized a scholarship at a partnering school Yogyakarta state University for my class. This was an incredible experience.

When I met you was this your first fashion show? Was it your first collection on show to the public? 

No it was my third, I have also exhibited in two shows for MSFW by ARTZ.

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

My collection is based around textures, as it's called 'Textured Androgyny'. So I based my decision on the tactile feeling of all the materials. All the velvets and the minky dot, not only did they feel soft but they also had a sense of warmth about the material, which I needed for this winter collection. I also tried to choose sustainable natural fabrics as much as I could in acceptation of the velvets. I made the pants out of sand washed silk because of light luxurious feel and the fall of the fabric. I was also always going to use my grass weave, not only because it has this harsh texture, which is intriguing, but because I wanted to showcase the aboriginal culture in my collection. It is truly Australian and I value you this as an Australian designer. We must look at our history and our roots before we move forward.


What gives you inspiration? 

Anything and everything can gives me inspiration. Specifically for this collection I was inspired by such designers as Lanvin and Alexander McQueen, their dark sense of fashion and mostly androgynous silhouettes are very intriguing to me. I mirrored this in the androgynous silhouettes of my garments and subtle over sexualizing cross darts over the bust. I felt in recent times that women show off every body part to 'catch' a mans attention. I wanted to bring back women dressing for themselves. I was obviously also inspired by the aboriginal culture as you can see by the grass weaving, and in my circular dotted knits that have not been released yet.

Have you completed any internships? 
 Sadly I haven't, because I have been so busy with work and school. It is a full time job but I am currently seeking one!


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

Honestly I would love to work for myself and develop my own brand and style of clothing, but I think I need to work for someone else's brand to develop my skills. School is very different from a company and I would enjoy learning more in a company/head office experience. Although I would love to be involved with anything having to do with fashion, no matter what it is as long as I am in the industry I know I will love it.


Advice for anyone who is currently studying fashion?

If you are not completely passionate about it, then I do advise not to go ahead with studying fashion. As it requires a lot of dedication and long hours. Although if you are passionate about fashion then go for it. Don’t let others tell you that you won’t succeed, push forward because it’s not up to others, it’s wholly placed on your shoulders where you want to be and how to achieve your dreams. Also don't let your teachers or peers opinion change your point of view of your collection, because to be a fashion designer it is to show your own opinion through clothing and this is what makes you an individual in the massive sea of designers out there.

Special thanks to Brittney xx