Creative, glamorous and daring designs by high school students and emerging fashion stars have dazzled a large crowd at the annual Fashion Awards Australia gala.
Last Friday’s event brought together the best young designers from around Victoria and interstate to compete in 17 categories including racewear, long gowns and wearable art.
The industry hopefuls amazed fashion-lovers at Lakeside Banquet and Convention Centre in Taylors Lakes with their ability to turn anything into stylish clothes, including old umbrellas and even cardboard boxes.
This year’s event featured almost 300 entries from years 9-12 and TAFE students and new and emerging designers. Thomastown’s Errik Kim won the designer of the year award, while Ballarat Grammar took home the John Claringbold Memorial School Cup.
Awards director Heather Marcus said the gala had established itself as a major event in secondary and TAFE programs.
“Our vision is to reach out to all Victorian secondary and TAFE colleges and to encourage, give recognition and ultimately help in the development of the students in the textile departments so these students will continue to study and receive a diploma in fashion design,” she said.
“The amount of dedication and sheer hard work that goes into the beautiful designs and gowns is nothing short of amazing.”
Laura Michell
