Designs on a fashion future showcased

Budding fashion designers are being encouraged to begin planning their entries to this year’s Fashion Awards Australia.

Now in its 19th year, the event gives high school and TAFE students a chance to showcase their designs alongside new and emerging designers.

Awards organiser Heather Marcus says this year’s event will be the biggest yet, with the committee receiving “record entries” from schools keen to take part.

“The schools tell us that the awards are so helpful to students who are keen to carry on in fashion,” Ms Marcus said.

A design by Salih Nesim from Melbourne School of Fashion. Photo: Damjan Janevski

Such is the interest in this year’s show that a new category has been added for secondary school designers: upcycled art.

To compete in this category, students are asked to take three garments and deconstruct them to create a new outfit.

Other categories open to high school designers include calico, costume fantasy, chic daywear, cocktail wear and long gown.

A new category has also been added for TAFE and new and emerging designers.

Fashion Awards Australia’s showcase is on October 9 at the Lakeside Banquet and Convention Centre, 65 Melton Highway, Taylors Hill.

Entry forms

Available from www.fashionawardsaustralia.org