Fashion festival dressed in style by RMIT alumni

Designs by RMIT alumni are some of the highlights of this week’s runways and also feature in festival exhibitions and special events as part of the VAMFF cultural program.

Three recent RMIT Bachelor of Fashion (Design) (Honours) graduates star in the prestigious National Graduate Showcase, fashion alumnus Nixi Killick is launching her new collection, while grads Lois Hazel and Sarah Schofield are part of a celebration of new design talent.

Current students will also feature as part of RMIT Link’s Movements exhibition, which showcases garments, video, performance and objects by more than 20 art, design and fashion students.

Professor Robyn Healy, Head of the School of Fashion and Textiles, said the success of RMIT graduates is a testament to how seamlessly they transition into the industry.

“Our fashion alumni are a diverse and innovative cohort of global leaders who embody sustainability and are equipped with the skills they need to forge original models of practice,” Healy said.

“It is fantastic to see some of our newest graduates already being recognised for their work.

“The designs speak for themselves but what’s most impressive has been our students’ ability to hit the ground running into this highly competitive and global industry.

“It really shows the value of the design and entrepreneurial practices students are taught while working alongside industry partners.”

New graduates Lauren Trend, Alice Kennedy and Anna Lindell will see their designs on show in the National Graduate Showcase on Friday 11 March.

Lindell said it was thrilling to see national and international recognition for her designs.

“The feeling when the models walk out on the runway, wearing your clothes, is indescribable,” she said.

Other RMIT events at VAMFF include:

Nixi Killick
13 March
If it’s not in the future it doesn’t exist, according to fashion design alumnus Nixi Killick whose techno-optimistic collection will debut in this special free runway event.

Discovery Runway
10 March
Fashion grads Lois Hazel and Sarah Schofield (ASSK) appear as featured designers in the Discovery Runway.

MOVEMENTS 
Now to 11 March
A free exhibition of garments, video, performance and objects by RMIT students within the art, design and fashion disciplines.

100 Chairs in 100 Days
Now to 9 April
Project by acclaimed London-based designer Martino Gamper, showing in Australia for the first time at RMIT Design Hub.

Cartography (Film)
Now to 13 March
Fashion film by Justin McLean Photography showcasing RMIT grad Jacinta Raquel’s collection. Showing at RUSSH.TV and Fashion Film Series at Fed Square.

Snapshots: Prue Acton
Now to 1 May
Snapshots features the signature creations of RMIT alumnus Prue Acton and explores the evolving style of Australia’s golden girl of fashion.

Orangery
Now to 30 March
A collaboration between Vanessa Lucas and RMIT alumnus Courtney King, Orangery presents Lucas’ graceful and disciplined ceramic forms juxtaposed alongside her textiles, with illustrations by King.

Designer Bites: (It) x SDC
6 March, 12 March
Curator and RMIT alumnus Laura Thompson collaborates with RMIT designer Stanton Cornish-Ward to present a unique and interactive dining experience where fashion, art and food collide.

RMIT’s School of Fashion and Textiles is globally recognised for its contemporary programs, industry-based focus and entrepreneurial practices.

RMIT was the only Australian institute to make the top 10 in the 2015 Business of Fashion’s (BoF) Global Fashion School Rankings.

Story: Sean O’Malley