Creative talent on catwalk

This year’s HomeStart Fashion and Costume Graduate Parade was the largest ever, showcasing 47 collections from the 2021 academic year.

The ‘Fused’ parade featured the work of talented graduates of the Bachelor of Creative Arts – Fashion and B(Creative Arts) – Costume, dual awards offered by TAFE SA and Flinders University.

The event’s title ‘Fused’ refers to the myriad of colours, styles, themes and

creative influences that will come together in a polished catwalk presentation. The collections range from sleek dresses and swimwear to oversized streetwear, tailored separates and nostalgic period costuming.

Design influences include the environment, history, mythology and music genres and icons as well as the ongoing pandemic, which has inspired themes of escapism and wellness.

Jordanna Miles’s label is a sustainable collection made from recycled and ‘deadstock’ fabrics. Photographer: Jett Osborne

Students have employed a range of techniques and tools to give their outfits an individual aesthetic, including 3D printing, hand dyeing and laser cutting, the use of deadstock and reclaimed fabrics, and handcrafted embellishments.

Flip through the digital catalogue of the fashion collections.

Ms Helen Jansson, TAFE SA’s Principal Lecturer – Fashion Design and Technology, says producing the collections gives students the chance to draw on the knowledge and skills gained over three years of study.

“The collections are also an opportunity for fun and for students to explore a theme or technique they might not have considered before,” she says.

“The collections in this year’s parade are quite avant-garde and really reflect our students’ diverse interests and backgrounds.”

Sponsored by HomeStart Finance, the winners of the four key awards were:

  • Fashion Graduate of the Year Award: Jordanna Miles
  • Costume Graduate of the Year Award: Emma Campbell
  • Fashion Academic Merit Award: Kelli-Ann Batten
  • Costume Academic Merit Award: Eliza Stafford

HomeStart’s Chief Executive Officer Andrew Mills said congratulations to the award winners and all the talented graduates whose hard work and dedication will be on display.

“The designs are nothing short of spectacular and highlight the talent of the students, and the dedication of the lecturers in supporting and harnessing their talent,” Mr Mills said.

“HomeStart is pleased to continue its partnership with TAFE SA for a fifth year and remains committed to supporting the growth and prosperity of the State and the creative arts as a key industry for South Australia.”

/Public Release. View in full here.