Fashion students put HoMie where the heart is with new streetwear range

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Fashion students put HoMie where the heart is with new streetwear range

RMIT students combine style and substance in an industry project with social impact.

Students from the College of Vocational Education (CoVE) have been tasked with developing an omni–channel campaign for Melbourne-based streetwear label and social enterprise HoMie, which supports young people aged 18 to 25 affected by homelessness or hardship.

Across 16 weeks, the students developed a full product range and business strategy, while gaining valuable industry experience.

They worked closely with HoMie during the project, visiting the Melbourne shopfront and meeting staff, including RMIT alum Ryan Neville.

Student Sasha Permana said she connected deeply with HoMie’s cause, which inspired her designs.

“Our theme was heavily influenced by the '70s punk scene – we wanted to translate the passion of youth from the punk era, around acceptance, community and solidarity, into modern culture,” she said.

“We also came up with the slogan ‘HoMie is where the heart is’ to highlight HoMie’s commitment to tackling youth homelessness, but also send a message that ‘home’ is your community and the people you surround yourself with.”

Student Lidia Isakov said the opportunity to work with HoMie has solidified her career aspirations, originally sparked by her grandmother who was a dressmaker.

“It’s been incredible because HoMie is a brand I really respect and love, which made doing the work for them so much better,” she said.

“The experience has made me understand how much work goes into a fashion industry job and all the intricate details that need to be handled.”

Art, Design and Culture

21 June 2024

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Student Lidia Isakov delivering PowerPoint presentation next to team member.

Student Lidia Isakov presenting with her team to HoMie.

Industry experience puts students ahead

Industry projects like the partnership with HoMie are a feature of RMIT’s Associate Degree in Fashion and Textiles Manufacturing.

Students have a chance to undertake ‘real-life’ industry projects each year, working to a specific brief and set of guidelines , with organisations like Sportsgirl, Cotton On, Myer, Country Road, Target and Kmart.

Teachers Anna Cavaleri and Sue Robinson, who led the HoMie project, said CoVE particularly favoured those with a social impact.

“We haven’t really worked with a social enterprise before. For our students, to tap into a business that is very much focused on building and engaging community, it’s an amazing opportunity,” Anna Cavaleri said.

“When our students walk out the door, they are very clear about what industry wants and what the standard is. This makes them highly employable and sought after,” said Cavaleri.

“The best thing as an educator is to see how open and receptive the students were to learning and challenging the way they think. It makes me very excited for the future of the industry.”

Students posing with teachers and HoMie co-founder, each with jubiliant expressions and hands in the air, celebrating the end of their pitches.

Students celebrating after delivering their pitches to HoMie co-founder Marcus Crook (bottom row, left).

Students shine delivering pitch to HoMie co-founder

The project culminated in the students pitching their ideas to HoMie's co-founder Marcus Crook.

“I’m absolutely blown away by the students’ creativity and what they’ve brought to the table,” Marcus Crook said.

The pitches featured screen-printed products, comprehensive business strategies and audience analysis.

“It’s awesome for us, as a community organisation, to have support from RMIT. We can go away and potentially use the students’ ideas to help support the community and create more impact, and that’s amazing.”

Student Sasha Permana said the thrill of pitch day left her feeling excited for a future in fashion – with aspirations to work in product development, fashion buying or digital marketing.

“It would be amazing to have the opportunity to take on more projects like this in the future,” she said.

Find out more about RMIT’s Associate Degree in Fashion & Textiles Merchandising.

Story: Keely Tzoukos

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21 June 2024

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