Kangaroo leather tops in TAFE student fashion design contest

A new sustainably sourced kangaroo leather company has teamed with TAFE in South Australia to create a commercial design competition for fashion students.

Roo-Newable Fashion Design Competition winner Ruby Mariniello with model Moana Harder, wearing Ruby’s kangaroo leather top at Morialta. Picture: Dean Martin

IT takes some hide to make it in the fashion industry – and TAFE student Ruby Mariniello has already created an impression using sustainably sourced kangaroo leather.

Ms Mariniello’s top was named overall winner of the Roo-Newable Fashion Design Competition, a new partnership between TAFE SA and Karmine Leather.

It challenged fashion students to produce innovative garments for a commercial market using sustainably sourced kangaroo hide.

Model Moana Harder wearing Roo-Newable Fashion Design Competition winner Ruby Mariniello’s kangaroo leather top at Morialta. Picture: Dean Martin

“The top is very versatile because you can make it very dressy, but then you can make it quite casual too with a pair of jeans,” said Ms Mariniello, 20, of Athelstone.

“I’m a huge fan of chiffon sleeves, so I thought that would be a great contrast for something simple, that everyone could wear.

“From there I added a few more details, like a leather cuff that had a tie-up bow, to give it a bit more character.”

As well as winning $5000 and a work placement with Karmine Leather, Ms Mariniello’s design won one of three $1000 category prizes for separates, along with Rachelle Gosden (outerwear) and Kate Wissell (dress).

“I’m excited to be able to get a better machine for my sewing space,” she said.

Model Moana Harder wearing Roo-Newable Fashion Design Competition winner Ruby Mariniello’s kangaroo leather top at Morialta. Picture: Dean Martin

Roo-Newable Fashion Design Competition winner Ruby Mariniello with model Moana Harder, wearing Ruby’s kangaroo leather top at Morialta. Picture: Dean Martin

Karmine Leather is a new venture established by the Macro Group, a South Australian family-owned business which is the nation’s biggest supplier of kangaroo meat, to ensure the whole animal is used.

Macro managing director Ray Borda said the entries from 33 second year Bachelor of Creative Arts (Fashion) students exceeded expectations.

“Our main mission behind Karmine Leather is sustainability, ethical sourcing, comfort and classic design,” he said.

“This TAFE SA project has produced several commercially viable designs … and has given us an incredible opportunity to showcase our Karmine Leather to a new audience.

”We also hope to employ some of the designers and keep them here in SA.”

Originally published as Kangaroo leather tops in TAFE student fashion design contest