PerthNorg

New era of West Australian fashion designers to unveil their collections

A new era of fashion designers will showcase their first collections on Perth catwalks at the West Australian Institute of Fashion and Textiles (WAIFT) 2007 Fashion Show on Tuesday November 20 at The Astral at Burswood Entertainment Complex.

 

The fashion show, which is a must on Perth’s annual fashion calendar, is responsible for launching the careers of many WAIFT graduates such as Christine Tang of Story by Tang, Amanda McKenna of Mandi Mac and Sonia & Silvana of Su Design. Large fashion labels such as Max Mara, Ralph Lauren, Fila, Daneechi, Su Design, Ray Costerella, Scanlan & Theodore and Megan Salmon also employ past WAIFT graduates.

 

On Tuesday 20 November, the WAIFT graduating class will join the growing team of young Western Australian designers who are currently taking the fashion world by storm.

 

WAIFT Head of Programs and Lecturer Adele Staveley said this year’s graduates have some amazing talent and are destined to succeed in the industry.

 

“The group of fashion designer’s in this year’s class have not only dedication toward their goals and work, but also a fantastic spirit and creativity that allows their designs to reflect their inspirations. I believe the Perth fashion industry will be inspired by what they will see on the catwalk at this year’s event.”

 

In preparation for the final event students are required to design and manufacture a final collection, which includes three ready-to-wear outfits, and three couture designs. Their collections are then unveiled at the Fashion Show to an audience of more than 800 fashion industry members, buyers, prospective employers, government representatives and media. 

The graduating WAIFT students have the chance to win a range of prestigious fashion awards on the night including the Couture Range of the Year, Pret a Porte Range of the Year, Most Outstanding Student Award, Production Award, and Most Consistent Student Award. 

WAIFT’s reputation as one of the leading fashion and textiles institutes in Australia stems from the multi-faceted diploma it offers and the modern equipment and facilities such as a design and illustration area, industrial sewing and pressing machines and advanced Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) technology available to students.

 

Students learn not just creative and practical elements such as design development and production but also the management, sales and marketing, quality assurance, administration, and finance skills essential to understand the business side of the fashion industry.

 

Last year more than 650 guests attended the WAIFT Fashion Parade and Trade Presentation, which included WA’s fashion industry members, government VIP’s & media related guests.

 

What:    WAIFT 2007 Fashion Show

Where: The Astral, Burswood Entertainment Complex

When:   Tuesday 20 November at 7.30pm

 

The WAIFT Fashion Show tickets are $40 and can be purchased by calling Coral Amiss on 9267 7200.