When seven fashion graduates put their minds together and plan an exhibition as part of their major assessment you know you’re going to be in for one creative and spectacular event. Throw in the CIT interior, graphic and building design graduates and the possibilities are endless.
Capture showcases mainly the designs of seven girls graduating with a Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design) from the Canberra Institute of Technology. The exhibition is being held at Westfield Belconnen until Thursday 28 November 2013.
Entry is through the back dock doors and down a long and cold corridor. Here, artistic expression commences with chalk drawings on the walls leading into the expansive shipment room where the design work is organised for display.
The installations utilise elements of each designer’s collection and personality were set up around the outsides of the room especially for the models to be photographed in. A fantastic part of this ‘live’ exhibition was the use of models moving in a choreographed manner almost as if they were mingling with guests. This worked to great effect, allowing the intricate details and patterns of the garments to be closely examined. Video was also used with designers developing a 90 second film as further explanation of their aesthetic.
The 2013 CIT fashion graduate designers are:
Philippa Soutberg – Recollection
Recollection is inspired by Philippa’s travels around Australia with her family though memories and photographs, and Philippa uses earthy tones to remind the wearer of their own travels around Australia. The collection is practical, light-weight and ultimately clothing for exploring the outdoors. One of the dress skirts is even made from an old tent!
Myfanwy Kelly-Wiseman – ubiquitous
Inspired by her own personality, Myfanwy says her collection ubiquitous is aimed at the casual girl who likes some structure with a light and whimsical feel. The garments are for the free-spirited and invoke a sense of playfulness.
Melissa Pompeani – Melissa Pompeani
Melissa loves to create new and innovative ways to construct clothing. To support this concept, fruit was the inspiration for her name-sake collection. Using her passion for pattern making, star- and dragon-fruits formed a base for this collection. Melissa says the collection of fun and bright patterns was translated into wearable garments by twisting and moulding the shapes around the body.
Aderyn Langaham – Aderyn Aderyn
Using gems and crystals as her muse, Aderyn says her collection is unique and sustainable with cherished pieces becoming wardrobe classics for her consumer who is aware of value and quality. Patterns were a strong feature of Aderyn’s work that contrasted well with a selection of block colours.
Holly Squair – Character
Holly says the vision for her collection – Character – originates from Pop-Art and is aimed at the niche-market of lively women aged 60+. Holly has an sustainable approach by using zero-waste pattern making techniques to create her garments – as evidenced through the use of sweeping sleeves and draped hemlines. She says women who wear the collection are often a Characters themselves and are not afraid to stand out in a crowd.
Karmen Falez – One Fleet
Karmen described her label One Fleet as being perfect for the young professional that takes a bike, bus, train or tram to work instead of a car. The collection is all about functionality featuring large pockets, hoods and even some waterproof garments to allow for movement. Karmen used a range of materials including fabric prints, felt and latex.
Melinda Standen AKA M.O – MLS
M.O says her collection is all about transparency – using three main components: point, edge and form. MLS is designed for the professional women of Canberra who like structured garments with a bit of contrast drawn from gothic architecture. The collection uses 2D and 3D forms pushing boundaries while staying true to traditional silhouettes. Zu Shoes is a private sponsor for Melinda’s label, providing new season shoes for the designer and models to wear.
Images via Red Photography
