Graduate Fashion Show a runway success
On Saturday night, 29 third year Bachelor of Design students showcased their collections before a 300-strong audience of friends, family, fashion industry and influencers at AUT's 2023 Graduate Fashion Show.
Set in the heart of the university’s chic, Jasmax-designed City Campus, models took to the runway to showcase the exceptional work of a cohort of students whose design and practical skills were honed between 2021 and 2023, under the guidance of academic and technical staff at the School of Art and Design.
The annual show, organised by Senior Lecturer Andreas Mikellis, provided a glimpse of the next generation of fashion designers.
“This year our students presented a broad spectrum of dynamic work, from innovative streetwear to more challenging conceptual representations of clothing design,” Mikellis says.
“It was an extraordinary showcase of contemporary work, drawn from an eclectic array of ideas that responded to everything from current global issues, socio-political perspectives, and more personal, cultural representations.
“The feedback from industry was really positive, with many commenting on how exciting it was to see so much experimentation and diversity in the design work and also praising the refined craft and quality of many of the collections,” he said.
Mikellis thanked the show’s collaborators, Cut Above Academy (Hair & Make-up), Unique Models and 62 Management, Vanity Walk Models, without whom the show could not have happened.
He also extended his gratitude to AUT academic and professional staff, and the first- and second-year Fashion Design students who helped with ushering and dressing the models.
2023 Graduate Fashion Show by the numbers
- 29 students’ work on display.
- 27 models from agencies Unique, 62 Mangement and Vanity Walk.
- 25 hair and makeup artists from Cut Above Academy.
- 100+ fashion media and industry guests from brands including Zambesi, Workshop, Huffer, RUBY, Taylor Boutique and Carlson.
- 15 fashion photographers.
- 25 AUT staff and student helpers.