The Graduates

The only university course of its kind in South Australia had 27 students graduating this year in the ‘One’ parade held at the new Tonsley campus. There were a number of stand-out students and The Adelaide Review catches up with three graduates whose collections all share a common thread – casual and classic statement pieces using exquisite fabrications.

Firstly, let’s talk about t-shirts. Perhaps slightly neglected when it comes to graduate fashion shows, seeing the casual styling on the runway was refreshing – as well as being on trend (Vetements, Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci have all included t-shirts part of their recent ready-to-wear collections).

Graduate Karina Ward created her own printed fabric used in t-shirts that formed part of her collection.

“My graduate collection was called ‘Vivid Dream’ and featured pleats, originally designed printed fabric, embroidery, beading and laser cut accessories,” she says.

Sourcing fabric from a recent trip to Hong Kong and Guangzhou, Ward always kept the fabric choice in mind throughout the design process.

“The shops in China were filled with different fabrics and it was incredibly overwhelming. I bought any fabric that caught my eye and most of them happened to be pink.”

The result is cohesive and totally wearable feminine collection that features metallic pleated dresses, a faux fur coat and peony printed tees.

For Bridie Walsh, her presentation consisted of six draped looks – showing a considered, relaxed ‘70s resort wear collection with a complementary and bold colour palette that progressed through each look. Walsh explored the theme of beauty in her collection as she explains.

“I am constantly looking to the past for inspiration, and the silhouettes and subtle sexiness of that era definitely draws me in,” Walsh says.

“The collection is ultimately a reflection of what I want to wear; the definition of my ideal beauty.”

Walsh used different types of silk and cupro – which has a similar drape and feel.

“I really didn’t make things easy for myself on reflection – silk is a nightmare to manipulate under pressure.”

Straying away from embellishments, Walsh kept it simple by exploring the use of colour blocking and monochromatic themes with the draped fabrics as the common link.

“One of the most difficult things during the creative process was how to narrow down the perfect fabric choices.”

Lastly, Isabella Sykes collection stood out with her use of statement typography and embroidery. Entitled ‘Could You Not’, the series of six garments were a result of exploring rape culture and the idea that the way a woman dresses condones sexual harassment and assault.

Sykes takes soft and tactile materials and emblazoned the garments with the statements ‘No’ and ‘This is Mine’.

“I chose fabrics that you want to touch and feel – and turned them into a statement about owning your own body,” she says.

“Don’t touch me even though you want to. I said no. This is mine. It was about having the choice to display your body however you like for your own enjoyment. The clothes needed to make the woman who wore them feel beautiful and powerful.”

Fabric choice and colour palette were key for Sykes. “I wanted fabric that moved, and was fluid and soft – so silk, velvet and fur were my choices. The colour palette was simple, hints of pastel pink, purple, green, blue and yellow, with black, white, and a crushed slate coloured silk velvet that shimmered on the body.” The six-piece collection is light, wearable and ultra-feminine that heroes the messaging and is reminiscent of Maria Grazia Chiuri’s first collection for Dior.