From Melbourne Park to the runways of Paris
The Melbourne and Olympic Parks precinct is taking RMIT’s rising fashion designers to the world.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula today announced 10 groups of Honours students from the RMIT Bachelor of Fashion (Design) are reimagining an entire uniform collection for the precinct’s 1,000-strong workforce, including operations staff, ushers, security and management.
The winners will be announced in August with the top design then refined in time to have staff kitted out for the 2020 Australian Open.
The students are teaming with Melbourne’s award-winning uniform designer and supplier Cargo Crew, which is giving the students invaluable real-world experience as they embark on their careers.
Cargo Crew Creative Director Felicity Rodgers is an alumnus of the RMIT Bachelor of Fashion and Design program.
The students who submit the winning designs, as selected by a judging panel, will receive a trip to this year’s Paris Fashion Week, hosted by the Australian Fashion Council, including a ticket to the signature event at the Australian Embassy.
To find inspiration for a design that captures the brand and essence of Melbourne and its world-renowned sports precinct, the students have conducted extensive research including attending events at Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne Arena and AAMI Park.
Uniform designer and supplier Cargo Crew won a competitive tender to produce the winning design in collaboration with RMIT and the winning students.
Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
“This is a wonderful project that brings together three of the things we love about Melbourne – sport, major events and fashion. This high-profile project will open doors for up-and-coming designers.”
Quote attributable to Melbourne and Olympic Parks CEO Brian Morris
“The project provides an exciting platform for the students, with our staff coming in contact with 2.5 million visitors each year, and seen by millions around the world during the broadcast of the Australian Open.”
Quote attributable to Dean of RMIT School of Fashion and Textiles Professor Robyn Healy
“This is a significant opportunity for our students to work on a major project alongside industry partners. Our students were very excited to be invited to create a fresh contemporary look that is both appealing to the wearer and sports fans, and is distinctively Melbourne.”
Quote attributable to Cargo Crew Creative Director Felicity Rodgers
“As a former RMIT student, I understand the value in providing students with industry opportunities. I feel like I’ve come full circle and Cargo Crew is so honoured to have been selected for this project.”
Ends …
Caption: Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula joins RMIT students, MOPT staff, Cargo Crew Creative Director Felicity Rodgers and RMIT Dean of the School of Fashion and Textiles, Professor Robyn Healy for the announcement.
For general media enquiries: Karen Phelan +61 420 557 114 or +61 439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.