A spectacular showcase of emerging design talent, ranging from the daring to the dramatic, was presented last week, at this year's HomeStart Fashion and Costume Graduate Parade - Visionary Voyage.
Held on Friday, March 28, Visionary Voyage featured the collections of 26 graduates of the Bachelor of Creative Arts (Fashion) and the Bachelor of Creative Arts (Costume Design), dual awards offered by TAFE SA and Flinders University.
Guests were treated to everything from edgy streetwear and contemporary bridal wear to elaborate costuming at the popular event, held in the cultural heart of the city, the Adelaide Festival Centre Plaza.
More than 500 people attended the parade, which is a launching pad for the emerging designers, presenting their work to not only family and friends but also key personnel in the SA fashion industry.
This year's collections include sleek eveningwear, vintage-inspired dresses, outfits with an edgy street vibe and a fresh take on corporate wear, with graduates citing diverse influences such as architecture and iconic landmarks, the Australian Outback, and different eras in history and music - from The Beatles to Hip Hop.
The graduates have used a range of techniques and tools to give their outfits an individual aesthetic, incorporating 3D printing, fabric manipulation, upcycled fabrics and handcrafted embellishments.
TAFE SA's and Flinders' Helen Jansson, Principal Lecturer Fashion, Costume, Retail and Floristry, says the parade is the largest standalone fashion event in Adelaide and provides an important platform for graduates.
"Students use their third and final year of study to design and produce their collections, drawing on the knowledge and skills they've gained at TAFE SA and Flinders University and exploring a favourite theme or technique," she says.
"The parade is a great way for students to showcase their talents and it's good for industry, too, because it highlights the design and construction skills available in Adelaide.
"This year the student collections range from feminine dresses and evening gowns to highly structured garments, corsetry, bridal wear and wonderful sculptural costumes.
"There are collections that explore sustainability in design and others that reflect the diverse cultural backgrounds of our student population with vibrant prints and embellishment."
Fashion students presented a five-outfit collection, while costume graduates showed one of their designs on the runway, with other outfits in their collection currently exhibited at Level 1 at Flinders City Campus until April 11.
Visionary Voyage is generously supported by HomeStart Finance, who presented four key awards on the night:
HomeStart Fashion Graduate of the Year Award – Sophie Wehr
HomeStart Costume Graduate of the Year Award – Dominic Boffa
HomeStart High Academic Merit Award for Costume – Ellie Goldfinch
HomeStart High Academic Merit Award for Fashion – Lilli Orsillo
Images supplied by TAFE SA, click to expand.
HomeStart Chief Customer Officer Vas Iannella says HomeStart proudly supports the graduate parade as part of its commitment to helping young South Australians who are pursuing their dreams.
"This year's graduates will be the fashion and costuming stars of the future and we are delighted to support them as they emerge from their studies into careers in the creative industries," she says.
