Young designer brings the love at 2024 Australian Fashion Week

It was a family affair for Sara Marta ahead of her first big break at Australian Fashion Week, with both her grandmothers and a couple of cousins burning the midnight oil as seamstresses to get her designs ready for the runway.

Sara Marta, centre, debuted her collection, Marta Designs, in the Innovators runway show at 2024 Australian Fashion Week. Picture: Getty Images

It was a family affair for Sara Marta ahead of her first big break at Australian Fashion Week, with both her grandmothers and a couple of cousins burning the midnight oil as seamstresses to get her designs ready for the runway.

Marta, 24, was one of four TAFE NSW Fashion Design Studio graduates chosen to headline the “Innovators” collection on Tuesday night, an event showcasing the country’s emerging stars.

Sara Marta's designs were modelled at The Innovators runway show at 2024 Australian Fashion Week.

Now in its 25th year at Australian Fashion Week, which runs until May 17, the invitation-only event once helped the likes of Nikki Zimmermann, Bianca Spender, Anna Quan, ­Michael Lo Sordo, ­Romance Was Born, and Hansen & Gretel rise to stardom.

With eight garments to perfect ahead of the show, Marta enlisted her grandmothers and older ­cousins. “We had a table of women around the house just sewing all day and coming together as a family, and working on this together,” she said. “I just think it’s so important to keep that love around you in this industry.”

One of Samara Darling's pieces as part of her Who Am U label was showcased at 2024 Australian Fashion Week.

The graduate from Sydney said the garments for her label, Marta Designs, were created with intricate craftsmanship, collaborating with textile artisans in India to ­elevate her designs.

“I really focused on making sure everything was done, from beginning to end, with a lot of consideration,” Marta said.

“I wanted to create pieces that become prized possessions.”

On Tuesday, Marta was joined by fellow Fashion Design Studio graduates Samara Darling, Isa­bella Hoyle Davies, and Renee Henderson for showcase. Stylists, editors and buyers were in ­attendance.

One of Renee Henderson's pieces as part of her Lychee Alkira label was showcased at 2024 Australian Fashion Week. Picture: Grace Evans-Craig

One of Isabella Hoyle Davies' pieces as part of her Bella Davies label was showcased at 2024 Australian Fashion Week. Picture: Jez Smith Photography

Marta said there was a “social movement towards a sustainable future” within the industry.

“Within my design practice, it’s an automatic thought – how can I reuse and reduce waste?” she said.

“I want to reverse the modern ideas of fashion consumption and bring us back to a time when the relationship between clothes and their owner was precious, and pieces were loved and preserved for life.”

Head of TAFE NSW Fashion Design Studio Laura Washington said the graduates gave audiences an insight into the future of ­fashion. “The TAFE NSW bachelor of fashion design program prepares students for the future of a circular fashion industry where sustainable design is paramount,” Ms Washington said.

“It’s an important time for the Australian fashion industry as the sector shifts in the way clothing is produced and circulated.”

Following the showcase, a celebration was held to spotlight the achievements of emerging designers across 25 years.