Unleashing the future of fashion: students set to make an impression this Melbourne Fashion Week

Kangan Institute students are showcasing their creativity this Melbourne Fashion Week at three fashion runway events.

More than 30 students across fashion, hairdressing, beauty and culinary disciplines will come together to present a fashion show on 24 October. Welcome to the Dollhouse will feature a dollhouse inspired runway, displaying the incredible up-and-coming talent of the future in a spectacular display of fashion artistry.

Fashion students Bridie Vearing and Natasha Sherer will join the crème de la crème of student designers to present at the M/FW Student Collections Runway on 27 October.

Alongside some of Melbourne’s most talented designers, student Aaron Costa will be presenting his sustainable designs at the M/FW Vault Vintage Upcycle Runway on 26 October.

Inclusivity is a key feature in Bridie’s Melbourne Fashion Week showpieces, with plus size garments included in her collection.

“I think it’s really important to showcase that fashion is for everyone and it’s a bit of a fantasy work that we get to play up and dress up in,” she shared.

“It’s heavily inspired by a Vivienne Westwood punk influence, as well as some 90s street wear. Probably the most challenging garment I’ve made is the size 20 corset that I’m making, which has a lot of boning and a lot of shaping in it.”

Bridie will also be showing off a reinvented suit collection created out of deadstock fabric and discarded men’s suits at Welcome to the Dollhouse.

“It’s challenging because you have to go in and understand how the original garment was made and then you have to reconfigure it to suit what you are making,” Bridie said.

Being chosen to present at Melbourne Fashion Week is a dream come true for Bridie.

“It’s something that I’ve always wanted to be involved in. I think I got selected because I have a unique take and a unique view, something that’s not been seen before,” she shared.

Also set to present an upcycled suit at Welcome to the Dollhouse, Natasha said being selected for Melbourne Fashion Week has been an unbelievable experience.

“It helps get your name out as an emerging designer and you can find your feet in the industry as well,” Natasha shared.

Natasha is unveiling wearable art at the Student Collections Runway, with naturally and sustainably dyed silk a focal point of her collection.

“I have a favourite artist, Jai Vasicek. I love all of his paintings and his artwork, and I just wanted to create something that came from a form of art appreciation. I thought, what better way than creating wearable art? That was my selling point.

“Being selected for Melbourne Fashion Week has improved my work standards, even though I already hold a high standard to it.

“It pushes you to push your boundaries and develop your skills further, and to be prouder of yourself and the things that you create.”

Kangan Institute Chief Executive Officer Sally Curtain said participating in real-world showcases, like the annual Melbourne Fashion Week shows, provides students with an opportunity to put their unique collections on display and expand their knowledge.

“Melbourne Fashion Week celebrates the best in Australian fashion, and we are proud to support our creative and talented students to participate in this flagship industry event alongside some of the biggest names in the business and rising fashion stars of tomorrow,” Sally said.

“It’s all about real-world exposure and giving our students the best opportunities to apply their knowledge, showcase their skills and prepare for a bright future in industry.”

Kangan Institute’s Welcome to the Dollhouse runway show is set to showcase capsule garments from current fashion students and alumni, with hairdressing and beauty students styling and culinary students providing refreshments for the night.

In collaboration with Red Cross Shops, the runway show will also include an upcycled segment featuring donated material re-designed for the runway.

Kangan Institute’s Welcome to the Dollhouse fashion show will be held on Tuesday 24 October, from 7pm at Melbourne Pavilion. Tickets are available here.