Makers Market alumni explore their inspirations

What fuels the flame in a designer’s heart? Meet some of RMIT’s alumni makers and find out!

RMIT’s Brunswick Open Day will feature a Makers Market full of incredibly talented RMIT students and alumni who’ll be showcasing and selling their designs and creations.

Every designer has a story in their soul and that’s especially true of the creatives that study at RMIT. We caught up with three of the alumni who’ll have stalls at the Makers Market to learn about their unique style and what inspires their designs.

Lena Rowe – Co-creating designs with nature

Lena is the creative mind behind Processual, a business that creates fashion and designs that are in conversation with the natural world.

“I want to design in a way which views nature as an ever-present co-designer, and I would like my work to explore what a grown design era might look like as a replacement for the industrialized and manufactured.”

“I studied a Bachelor of Fashion (Design) at RMIT Brunswick. Looking at people who had finished the degree or were doing the course at RMIT, I loved that they were building these mini worlds and creating these really unique visual languages.”

What will you be bringing to RMIT Open Day Makers Market?

“I will be bringing a collection of lamps that are made from kombucha, and some of my graduate fashion pieces from RMIT.”

Where does your inspiration come from?

“I'm inspired by the natural world, in particular, systems of growth and decay and I like to harness these natural systems in my work.

“I think a lot of modern design processes and methods of making are extractive and assume a separation between humanity and nature. They often demand full control of the design process and material. This comes through in my designs as when you are working with natural materials and living systems you have to give up a certain level of control and adapt to what the material does. Each piece I make is different and I like that I can never fully predict what will happen each time.

“I’m really passionate about the environment and wanted to do something through design that felt like it was helping rather than hindering, which I think a lot of design can sometimes feel like. When I thought about what job I wanted in 10 years' time, this was it, so I thought, to hell with it, I may as well start now!”

Miranda Dickinson – Wool that weathers gracefully

“I’m Miranda, a fashion designer and founder of DAWN BLACK, an Australian label built around natural fibres, thoughtful construction and clothing that feels lived in from the moment you put it on.

“I studied a Bachelor of Design (Fashion) (Honours) at RMIT. It wasn’t just about making beautiful garments. It was about understanding why they’re made, how they’re constructed and what role they play in culture. That balance between creativity and craftsmanship has shaped everything I’ve done since.”

What will you be bringing to the RMIT Open Day Makers Market?

“I’ll be bringing a slice of DAWN BLACK’s debut collection, including Australian wool knitwear, outerwear, shirting and accessories.

“The collection is built around natural fibres, particularly Australian wool, because I believe clothing should become better with age rather than disposable. Every piece is designed to develop character through wear, carrying memories rather than chasing trends.”

Where does your inspiration come from?

“I think Australian wool is one of the most beautiful materials we produce, yet we often overlook it. Visually, I gravitate towards weathered textures, worn and distressed techniques, traditional tailoring, music, architecture and things that improve with age.

“Rather than chasing perfection, I like garments that celebrates rawness, the unfinished and subtle imperfections. The clothes aren’t designed to look brand new forever. They’re designed to age with you, naturally. They feel more human that way.

“DAWN BLACK began as something deeply personal. The brand is named after my Nan, Dawn, who was an Australian landscape artist. She painted weathered farmhouses, native trees and quiet country landscapes. There was a sense of honesty in her work that has stayed with me.

“DAWN BLACK exists for people who don’t feel the need to fit neatly into one category. It’s for the alternative crowd, the elder emos who never quite stopped dressing like themselves, and anyone who believes clothing can quietly express who they are.”

Simone Deckers – A look and feel inspired by home

“My name is Simone and I am the maker and designer behind Femke Textiles. I draw inspiration from the Aussie bush with its diversity of colour, texture and shapes, screen printing my interlocking patterns across fabric, mostly linen.

“I completed a Diploma of Textile Design & Development in 2014 and a Certificate IV in Small Business Management in 2015.”

What will you be bringing to the RMIT Open Day Makers Market?

“My collection of hand screen printed linen products featuring Australian flora and birds including tea towels, table runners, napkin sets, oven mitts, pillowcases and tote bags. I will also have greeting cards featuring Aussie birds and flowers.”

Where does your inspiration come from?

“My work is inspired by the rich diversity of the Australian bush and its native flora—capturing the interplay of colour, texture, and organic shapes that define this landscape. This comes through in my designs by my use of custom mixed colours and simple shapes.

“I always knew I wanted to follow a creative path after having a nursing career for over 15 years. I love having colourful, useful and functional things in my home, and knew that I wanted to make the same for other people to have in their homes. Each piece is intended to be handled, used, and cherished over time. My work is an invitation to slow down, appreciate the quiet vitality of the Australian landscape, and bring a touch of its colour and texture into the heart of the home.”

Join us at RMIT Brunswick Open Day to browse the creations of these alumni and more on 9 August 2026. The Makers Market will be running from 10am – 3pm in The Hanger (Building 516 Level 2) at the RMIT Brunswick Campus.

Story: Jacob Johnston

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