Meet Amy Lawrance, an up and coming designer inspired by the work of expressionist Egon Schiele.

Why fashion? I have always been really passionate about art and am naturally drawn to fashion and textiles as a medium to express my ideas.

What’s the inspiration behind your designs for the runway? My collection has been inspired by my love of art and illustration. I have digitally printed fabric using my own watercolour paintings and experimented with a variety of different hand embellishments such as marbling and screen-printing. I love taking beautiful natural fabrics such as linen and silk and enhancing them with creative textile design.

What are your future goals? I think I might like to pursue a career in fashion illustration once I’ve finished this course.

Meet some of the up and coming designers who showcased at the La Dolce Vita fashion show…

Let us introduce you to Stephanie Bull, a next generation bridal fashion designer.

Why fashion?

I have never wanted to do anything but be a bridal designer. My grandma is an incredible seamstress and I loved growing up watching her create amazing gowns – I was endlessly draping her leftover fabric on mannequins and helping her sew! She has taught me so much and I will always be grateful for that. I think it is something really special to be able to make women feel beautiful and special in their dream gowns.

What’s the inspiration behind your designs?

My lifelong love for fairytales and romance. When researching, I was deeply inspired by Shakespeare’s iconic play ‘A Midsummer Nights Dream’ and the 1935 movie that perfectly encapsulates the feeling of enchantment that I am aiming for. My goal is to create an immensely feminine and romantic range for a contemporary bride. My collection oozes beauty and exuberance through my use of subtle tones of lilac, duck egg blue, blush, gold and white with extreme combinations of fabric and skill work.

Future goals?
I’ve always wanted to have my own bridal label - this is my main goal for the future.

Be inspired by Carla Papa, a passionate designer with an eye for innovation.

Why fashion?
Since I was five l knew what I wanted to do. I was so passionate about sewing and love the fact that sewing is limitless with no boundaries. I love being innovative and creating new things and when I started my course I just knew that this was for me.

What’s the inspiration behind your designs?
Roman armour, especially the layers and structures in the armour gear, which also relates to me as a person because I am very structured and organised. I wanted this collection to not only look amazing but to also mean something to me. The look I am going for on the runway is sharp, sophisticated and fierce.

Future goals?
I’d like to have my own label made completely in Australia, from design to production. After I graduate I would love to gain experience and knowledge in the apparel industry by working for an independent Australian designer.

Prepare to hear more about Steph Nardella, a designer with a personal delicate style.

Why fashion?
My interest in fashion design started when I was about eight years old, when I did a school assignment on wedding dresses through the centuries. I collected photographs from family and friends, magazines and the internet and I have loved it ever since.

Would you recommend Kangan Institute to others?
I definitely would. Before starting at Kangan I didn't really have a grasp on what this industry was really about and the pressures involved. I have enjoyed each day here as everyone is so lovely and accepting. The friendships I have built with students and teachers have been very rewarding and I know that they are all such genuine relationships. Studying here has opened my eyes to a whole new world that I cannot wait to be fully immersed in. Kangan has given me skills that I am easily able to use and apply to almost everything I do, from patternmaking and sewing to design and graphics.

What’s the inspiration behind your designs for the runway?
My bridal and couture collection, The Birth of Venus, was initially inspired by a ‘graceful’ theme, which I have kept through my personal design style even though my theme has progressed to something deeper. The concept for this collection encompasses the ideas of mermaids, goddesses, art and a sense of opulence as these are where I found myself researching at the beginning. The Birth of Venus incorporates all of the inspiration I was drawn to, while also allowing me to stay true to my personal delicate style. The focal point of my inspiration image is the goddess of love Aphrodite, a figure that has had a huge impact on my collection beginning with my colour palette, which has stemmed from the skin tones in the artwork and the golden tones from her flowing hair. I wanted my delicate, feminine style to show through these designs so I’ve used soft, light and sheer fabrics. I am embellishing my garments with a white and gold silk, which will resemble French filigree seen in opulent architecture; these will be hand cut and sewn over the garments.

What are your future goals?
I’ve always had the goal of one day having my own business and store – studying fashion design has brought me closer to it. I have such an amazing support network in both my family and friends and it motivates me further towards this goal. I want to continue surprising myself in what I am able to achieve and create for as long as I possibly can.

Tutku Pasa is a designer with a love of sketching and drawing… with a very bright future

Why fashion?

I’ve always had a passion for sketching and drawing and going to textiles at high school was always a joy for me. I then started taking VET classes outside of school in year 11 and 12 and that’s when I knew I really wanted to continue my studies in fashion design.

Would you recommend Kangan Institute to others?

I would definitely recommend this course at Kangan to others who want to study fashion design because Kangan does have a great selection of teachers who are very experienced and are always helpful when you’re in need. They also have great facilities to offer, like the Textiles and Fashion Hub. Staff are all very friendly and helps us to feel like we are part of a family in Kangan.

What’s the inspiration behind your designs for the runway?

My theme for my collection is focused around ‘freedom’ and all my designs have feathered detailing in them. With this look I’ve worked with feathers to show different feelings of purity and lightness in air with a sense of no restriction.

What are your future goals? In the future I would really like to work with bridal and evening wear and maybe someday open up my own label and business.

Some or all of this training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding
© Copyight 2016 Bendigo Kangan Institute ABN 74 802 942 886 trading as Kangan Institute RTO No. 3077 | CRICOS Provider No. 01218G

For students, there’s nothing quite like the chance to apply your skills in real-life workplace settings. It’s a great way to enhance your learning, indulge in your passion and boost your resume. Luckily for Kangan Institute students, they have many opportunities to do just that through our industry partnerships!

Take fashion student Jessica Lawrence for example. Leveraging on Kangan Institute’s ongoing fashion upcycling collaboration with Australian Red Cross, Jessica gained an opportunity to work as a store manager at Red Cross’ retail stores.

"As part of my course I worked closely with Red Cross on an upcycling project and developed contacts within the organisation. When a Red Cross job opening for store manager came up, I applied for the role. My previous retail experience, plus my work as part of the Red Cross-Kangan Institute collaboration, provided me with a great reference and I was ultimately offered the job," said Jessica.

As the store manager at the Croydon and Queen Victoria Market Red Cross stores, Jessica ran the store and managed volunteers. One of the best parts of the job, however, was working with customers to recreate fashion forward outfits using donated garments at the store. This allowed Jessica to weave in skills and knowledge from her fashion training.

"It was an exciting role and through my Kangan Institute experience I could bring in more creative aspects to the job. I shared upcycling ideas with our customers and gave them suggestions of how to reinvent certain garments, such as reworking leather pants from the eighties into something more modern," said Jessica.

"I also applied my skills in influencing store displays and visual merchandising elements."

Fashion on the job

Now in her final year, Jessica is currently focusing full-time on her Advanced Diploma of Fashion Technology studies and developing her own fashion collection for Kangan Institute’s year-end fashion parade.

"While I enjoy retail management, I made the decision to leave my management role to focus full-time on my studies as my designs aren’t simple. What I love about fashion is the freedom to create ideas in my head and transform that into reality. I’m currently working on four to five outfits for my year-end collection and I’m getting inspiration from many sources," said Jessica.

"My dream is to have my own apparel label in the future. Since doing my advanced diploma the idea of creating an accessories line has also been growing."

Expectations are high for Jessica, who achieved awards at the 2015 Australiasian Young Designer Wool Awards for fantasy wear, as well as the 2015 Fashion Awards Australia as TAFE Student of the Year and 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize award winner for her upcycled creations. Jessica was also Kangan Institute’s 2015 Diploma Student of the Year for Fashion.

Kangan Institute students’ upcycled Red Cross designs will be showcased at the Ecothreads fundraiser music fashion show on 27 August as part of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week. The event incorporates a special performance by Melbourne all-girl rock band Stonefield, who will be performing in the students’ outfits.

Amelia Williamson, Diploma of Advanced Fashion Design and Technology

Amelia’s fashion dreams began in the world’s fashion capital, Milan, while on a student exchange program at a fashion school during her secondary school years.

When she returned to Australia she quickly enrolled in a VET in Schools fashion program at Kangan Institute and progressed into the Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Technology which she recently graduated.

“I’ve always had a bit of interest in fashion but it really took off after I went to Italy,” she said.

“I really like coming up with new ideas and being innovative. I must say I love the events and all the experiences that come with being in the fashion industry.”

Amelia showcased her designs at the 2016 Melbourne Spring Fashion Week Ecothreads music and sustainable fashion show, with her Red Cross upcycled outfit worn by Stonefield band’s Hannah on the night.

The experience was a-dream-come-true for the 19 year old designer who is currently pursuing her own music-focused design label, Blazing Monkeys.

“My dream is to be dressing musicians so this opportunity has been perfect for me. I’ve been trying to push my own brand, Blazing Monkeys, and I started off with making leggings for an Australian band last year. I’ve got a couple of clients that have been buying leggings from me. I hope to get some stalls happening at music festivals soon,” she said.

Amelia shared that the experience with upcycling has transformed her own take on fashion design.

“It’s been a roller coaster. It’s a very new learning curve as upcycling was something we’ve never done before. It took me a few weeks to actually start coming up with ideas of what I was going to make and what I wanted out of the stuff I had. I did a couple of drawings and sketches and finally came up with my final idea,” she said.

“Now whenever I see off cuts, I keep them as it can be turned into something cool. There’s so much of potential in small pieces of fabric.”

The young designer currently works at a uniform company in Richmond where she works on cutting fabric, sewing and some design work.

“Studying at Kangan Institute in Richmond has given me more opportunities - I get to see more places and I’m around a lot of different things,” she said.

“I also gained a lot of hands-on experience that I love.”

Next up for Amelia is the 2016 World Skills Australia National Competition in October which will pit her skills against other up-and-coming designers in Australia’s fashion world. The young designer was shortlisted for the national World Skills finals after a state competition last year.

“I feel a little bit of nervous but I’ve been practising. I’ve got my own set up at home where I do basic patterns and keep my skills up. I work full-time in the industry and seize every opportunity I have to make a new pattern, sew and press,” she said.

Tu (Nevie) Trinh Tran, Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Technology

Most fashion students have one dream in common – to have their designs showcased on the runway. Fashion student Nevie achieved this dream at the 2016 Melbourne Spring Fashion Week – one of the biggest annual fashion celebrations in the state – at Kangan Institute’s Ecothreads music and sustainable fashion show.

“It was crazy at first because it was so overwhelming. I’m excited and nervous at the same time. This was the first time my designs were in a show,” said Nevie who designed an upcycled crop top and skirt outfit.

Nevie will be taking on advanced diploma studies next and looking forward to becoming a designer after graduating.

“In high school we had a TAFE and university event where we had to decide where we wanted to go and what we wanted to do. When I saw Kangan Institute I knew that I wanted to go here – it was so interesting. I was a beginner; in high school I didn’t do any sewing so when I started out here I learnt and processed a lot. The teachers are good to us,” she said.

Jodean Pereira, Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Technology

For Jodean, a TAFE study experience was something she knew would help her kickstart her journey in fashion right after high school.

“I wanted something really practical and a more hands-on type of learning, which is why I came to TAFE,” she said.

“My passion for fashion started in high school textiles. I was so fascinated by how a garment came together. I learnt to develop my drawing skills and became really interested in this creative career path. I always wanted to do something I loved as a career. You only get one shot in life so I’m going to give it a red hot go.”

Her ultimate dream is to open a small, bespoke formal wear business, a goal that she is steadily working towards with the support of her teachers at Kangan Institute.

“The whole business side is daunting but I’m getting skills in that as we take a business subject,” she said.

“I definitely love the teachers. They’re really hands-on and they mentor you rather than just hand out work. It’s a very supportive network. They always encourage us to challenge ourselves. I’ve tried things that seemed hard and the result makes you so proud, like you can’t believe what you’ve achieved.”

The 19-year-old participated in Kangan Institute’s 2016 Melbourne Spring Fashion Week Ecothreads music and fashion show, adding yet another achievement to her list. Jodean had participated in Kangan Institute’s annual fashion parade in 2015 and had achieved a runner-up award for best first year fashion student.

“We get so many opportunities here to showcase our work and get exposure. It was definitely a privilege to be part of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week and to have our work showcased in the iconic ACDC lane,” she said.

“People say it’s hard and you can’t do it, but the teachers here know so many people and it’s surprisingly easy to get exposure.”

Tristan Hyde, Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Technology

Tristan dabbled in webpage design and information systems before realising that he wanted to do fashion design.

“My mom used to be in the rag trade when it was on Flinders Lane in the ‘70s and my dad was always into the arts. It took me a while to realise I was artistic, probably when I was 25. I went straight into web page design when I finished school, did information systems for a little bit, and then found out that I actually wanted to do fashion design,” he said.

“The course has been really good – a lot of growth and learning. Kangan Institute lecturers are really great and prepared to put in a lot of work. They’ve got plenty of time for the students, which is really good.”

Tristan describes his participation in Kangan Institute’s 2016 Melbourne Spring Fashion Week Ecothreads music and sustainable fashion show with Stonefield as a “phenomenal opportunity” that has given him a fresh perspective on eco-friendly fashion.

“Focusing on sustainability has taught me a lot. It will encourage me to try and find more sustainable fibres in clothing in the future,” he said.

Poised to continue into advanced diploma studies, Tristan hopes to one day combine his love for the ocean with his passion for fashion.

“I’d like to move down to the coast and work for a surf brand at Torquay, or have my own brand and maybe work with denim,” he said.

Glennys Van Damme, Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Technology

Glennys, who took part in the 2016 Melbourne Spring Fashion Week Ecothreads music and sustainable fashion show with Stonefield, said the experience provided a vital taste of real industry work.

“It was a really awesome experience and a really good idea for people that are studying fashion and design because it’s a real life brief. It’s a really great concept to recycle something that’s going to end up in landfill, and to work with the band and Red Cross,” she said.

“It’s funny to think that someone who’s just finishing school can end up in such an awesome event like MSFW. It’s really cool.”

The 21-year-old studied arts and psychology in university before realising that fashion was her calling.

“I was a semester into a degree in arts and psychology and realised it was not for me. Fashion was something that I’ve always wanted to do so I just went for it and I’m really glad that I did,” she said.

Glennys said her studies at Kangan Institute “has been good” and will go a long way to helping her pursue her dreams.

“The course at Kangan Institute has been good. It’s been really interesting and I’ve learnt so much. It has set me up for getting into a workplace,” she said.

“To have my own label would be my dream; I’ve always been interested in swimwear.”

Enida Sertovic, Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Technology

Enida progressed from high school textile classes into Kangan Institute’s fashion course which she loves.

“I liked drawing, creating and painting while growing up. In high school, textiles sewing classes were available and when I started that I just fell in love with it,” she said.

“The course at Kangan Institute is great. I love the people – the teachers are very supportive and helpful, including Vicki who has gone out of her way to create something marvellous for fashion week.”

The patternmaker-hopeful said that participating in Kangan Institute’s Ecothreads show at the 2016 Melbourne Spring Fashion Week has influenced her in more ways than one.

“To actually see my stuff on the runway is really exciting,” she said.

“I found it a really good idea and something very productive to do. We always start from scratch and to get old clothes and try to make something new out of them is something different. I’m more aware of using less waste when I design and now I’m more into ‘opp shops’!”

Jennifer Huffer, Applied Fashion Design and Technology graduate

Jennifer’s dreams to launch her own fashion design label seemed unattainable as a stay home mum. But her decision to pursue fashion studies at Kangan Institute changed everything and the graduate is now a proud owner of her custom bridal gowns and formalwear label, J M Huffer.

“I was a stay home mum for eight years. I was trying to figure out what I should do for a job when the kids were old enough and I could go back to work. I felt that the thing that I do for fun should be my career so I looked into ways to do that and Kangan Institute provided the most comprehensive list of things that I needed for going into business for myself,” she said.

“I wouldn’t be able to have my own business if I hadn’t come and done the course. I could always sew, but being able to understand how to design and to create patterns and different shapes was really necessary.”

Technical skills aside, Jennifer said the course also prepared her for starting her own business.

“It gave me a really good basis of skills to start my own business. I had no business experience and being able to learn the relevant industry business side of things was really helpful. It was always my goal to start my own business and now that’s happened,” she said.

Returning to studies while juggling family commitment had its challenges, but Jennifer was well-supported all the way.

“It was a big adjustment coming back to school after such a long time, but everybody was very understanding and very accommodating of my situation as a parent,” she said.

Jennifer, who participated in Kangan Institute’s Red Cross project in 2015, was invited to showcase her designs at Kangan Institute’s 2016 Melbourne Spring Fashion Week Ecothreads music and sustainable fashion show with Stonefield and Red Cross.

“I formed really wonderful friendships and made really great industry connections at Kangan Institute. The strength of those connections really shows through by being asked to come back and still participate. I feel like I’m still part of the Kangan Institute family,” she said.

Artika Devi, Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Technology

Inspired by her grandmother who was a dressmaker, Fiji-born Artika has loved fashion from a young age.

Upon receiving an Australian scholarship she pursued a fashion diploma at Kangan Institute’s Centre for Fashion and Creative Industries in Melbourne to immense success. Since graduating, she has showcased her designs at the 2016 Melbourne Spring Fashion Week and, most recently, at the 2016 Fiji Fashion Week.

“I think of fashion designing as an art. Designing gives me the freedom to express my creativity in a way that is accessible to everyone in everyday life. One doesn't have to go to a museum or art gallery, people will be able to see my designs on the streets in day-to-day life. That is why I fell in love with fashion design,” she said.

“Getting to show my range in the most elite fashion show in the south pacific has been a very humbling experience. The team at Fiji Fashion Week have been very supportive and I am getting to learn a lot of new things.”

Aarti said her Kangan Institute studies have been immensely fulfilling.

“It’s been very rewarding. I’ve learnt so many things. The teachers are the best part about this place and I’m so glad to have been in this class. There have been tough times, deadlines and late nights. But it all pays off – when you see your designs on the catwalk you know you’ve made it,” she said.

Her studies and fashion week appearances combined has ensured that Aarti’s career prospects are bright.

“I have had a bit of interest from the Fiji fashion industry. There has been talk of collaborating with a local garment manufacturer to release my own label. It is very exciting indeed,” she said.

She also plans to share her unique insights from the Kangan Institute-Red Cross upcycling project by incorporating the theme in future work.