Students enchant with more than 90 creative designs

More than 90 hand-made designs by the next generation of designers took centre stage at Kangan Institute’s fashion show, Enchanted, held last night.

Featuring a mix of creativity and sustainability, the designs reflect the skills of fashion students and alumni, accentuated by styling from hair and beauty students.   

Highlights of the runway included:

• Sustainable practices interwoven across designs, with a collaboration with Red Cross Shops offering Kangan Institute students access to unsaleable second-hand garments for upcycling and re-purposing into couture garments.

• Winning creations from Kangan Institute’s student project runway competition, which saw secondary school students in years 10-12 compete for a chance to transform their design into a runway garment.  

• A first-ever digital brochure developed by Kangan Institute information technology students with event, student designer and educator information.

• In another runway first, a collection of design samples reflecting the work behind pattern making and toile development. 

Student Flynn Milne featured his sustainable designs and walked the runway alongside other models.

“Every single piece and every single part is upcycled, reused from other garments, modified to fit these pieces. Everything I do, even outside of this event, is upcycled. It’s as green as it can possibly be,” Flynn said.

The 18-year-old hopes to launch his own upcycled label, with his experience at Kangan Institute preparing him for his next steps. 

“Kangan really thrives in the fact that I can really push forward with the practical side, so that I can come out on the other side with as much experience as I possibly could. And I’d be able to put it into use,” Flynn said. 

“The opportunity to model in the fashion show with pieces I’ve designed is such an amazing opportunity and it’s something I’m really thankful for. It allows me to see what a runway will look like, how the entire process runs and how it all fits together.”

Having commenced fashion studies in year 12, Olivia Galeotti has honed her skills over the past two years through the diploma., culminating in three designs showcased. This includes a Victoria’s Secret-inspired suit complete with laser cut feathered wings. 

“I’m grateful to show our garments on stage. It makes me happy because of the hard work we put into the garments – we do want it to be shown off and to get the recognition for it,” Olivia said.

For student Ella Clarke, exhibiting in a fashion runway was somewhat unimaginable ten years ago.  

“I’ve been working in hospitality since I finished high school and over the last ten years. I decided it was enough; I wanted to pursue a career doing something that I was really passionate about. I found Kangan, went to an open day and fell in love,” Ella said. 

Ella showcased a David Bowie-inspired three-piece suit made from leftover fabric and zero waste pattern technique that incorporate all parts of fabric.

“I’m very passionate about music as well so I really love that I could find a way to bring fashion and music together.”

“After all the hard work we’ve put in, I think it’s really exciting to see it come to life. It’s a great way to meet other people in the industry and make a few connections.,” Ella said. 

Creations from alumni Jessica Lawrence were also on show, bringing to the runway nearly 10 years of industry experience in design, patternmaking and production management. 

With a diverse portfolio that includes designing motorsport race car suits, Jessica is developing her own brand and offered audiences sneak peek into her upcoming label through her designs on the catwalk.

“One of the things I feel has been really amazing with Kangan is the ongoing connection that I’ve been able to have with the institute,” Jessica said.

“They have a night like tonight, supporting their past students and encouraging them to keep growing and challenging themselves. You’re not lost and forgotten afterwards; you’re remembered and valued as a student.”

Comments for attributing, Sally Curtain, CEO Kangan Institute: 

"At Kangan Institute, we nurture the next generation of fashion leaders and provide our students with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed in the dynamic world of fashion.

“Our annual fashion show is more than just a runway event; it's a platform for our students to shine, to translate their classroom learning into wonderful creations, and to gain invaluable industry exposure.

“Real-world events empower our students to confidently step into their professional journeys and achieve their ambitious goals."