Emerging fashion designers have put their creativity and sewing skills on display for Box Hill Institute’s 2024 Graduate Fashion Parade.
Dozens of students were involved from the fashion designers to hairdressers, makeup artists in training, musicians and floristry students.
The annual event was held at the The Edge, Federation Square.
Elegant models walked the runway showing off student designs from T-shirts, to evening dresses to handbags made from hub caps.
Meet the graduating designers
LILLY CAVALLIN
‘OMIT’ is the combination between sustainability, the automotive industry and cutting edge design.
Lilly Cavallin used reclaimed leather, seatbelts, hub caps, and carbon fibre from scrapped cars to create her pieces.
“First and foremost, I want my designs to be wearable and practical,” she said.
“Clothing should feel as good as it looks and I believe fashion should be responsible, both socially and environmentally.”
Ms Cavallin was an entrant in the 2024 Melbourne Fashion Week student collections runway.
KAREN LONG
Ms Long’s collection ‘UPON FANTASY’ was inspired by the fictional character Mulan.
Her designs featured deep red colours to symbolise the Disney character’s strength and achievements.
Ms Long said she spent a lot of time experimenting out of her comfort zone to learn new skills.
“I am excited to be graduating this year and I look forward to trying my hand at all areas of the fashion industry,” she said.
NAM TRAN
Nam Tran’s collection ‘Behind the Bamboo’ was inspired by the craftsmanship of Vietnamese women working in the rice paddy fields.
He used sustainable materials like dried water hyacinths, skeleton magnolia leaves and recycled fabrics in conjunction with hand beading and basket weaving to create his designs.
Mr Tran’s collection won the 2024 Melbourne Fashion Week student award.
“For me, great fashion is more than looking good, it tells a story, respects craftsmanship, and leaves an impact on the wearer and the admirer,” he said.
Mr Tran hopes to become a courtier after his graduation.
ZARA RAJEE
Zara Rajee took inspiration from her Afghan culture for her collection ‘ANAAR’.
She fused traditional elements like her vibrant Kochi dress with colours from Afghan carpets into her designs.
“My designs are a direct reflection of my heritage, faith and desire to tell stories through fashion,” she said.
“I believe great design tells a storey, connects emotionally, and feels both innovative and timeless.”
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