Graduating from the TA.F.E. New South Wales fashion program is at once inspiring and imposing. The pressure is on every graduate to be the new Dion Lee. Previous graduates also include Akira, Alex Perry, Nicky Zimmermann and Lisa Ho.
Elliot Ward-Fear, one of the graduating students who showed at RAFW 2010, says that he’s well aware of the pressure, but tries to keep focussed on his own style.
“I’m really aware of the pressure that’s out there, but I actually think it’s helped me focus on my own style,” said an ecstatic Ward-Fear following his first runway show.
His graduate collection featured model-toppling 18cm platform wedges, clear perspex spikes, a jacket with 20 metres of looped red thread and a washed out floral print.
“I am focussed on more of an avant garde European approach to fashion, and I steer away from the Australian aesthetic of structured blazers. I have a habit of being a bit more out there and crazy, so that means I’m not so distracted by what others are doing,” he said.
Christopher Dobosz grabbed the attention of star publicist and retailer Belinda Seper. The graduate showed a remarkable butter-coloured leather jacket, devore shirts and skirts, punched leather, and diagonal panelling. Wearing much more sensible shoes than Ward-Fear’s meant the focus was on the clothes, not the spectacle.
Nicholas Christensen’s black and white prints, body con mini dress, cleverly positioned mesh and bugle bead details were immediately saleable. Fuss showed delightful girlish dresses in pretty fabrics with traditional smock details that would make any wearer feel special.
The challenge for the graduates of 2009 is to now hone their craft, find their voice and perfect their finishes in order to become the next designer benchmark.