AUT show back in fashion
After a two-year hiatus, AUT’s iconic final year fashion show took place at the weekend.
Models took to the runway to showcase the exceptional work of a cohort of students whose design and practical skills were honed during a period characterised by travel restrictions, lockdowns and physical isolation.
On the evening of 12 November, 32 select third year students of AUT’s Bachelor of Design (majoring in fashion) showed their final collections to a 300-strong audience made up of friends, family and industry.
AUT students hadn’t presented their work on models on a live runway since 2019, event organiser and Art and Design Senior Lecturer Andreas Mikellis said.
"As with many graduates this year, our students began their degree just weeks before Covid-19 restrictions were introduced. The recurring disruptions of the past few years offered our students an opportunity to develop greater resilience, resourcefulness and creativity,” he said.
“Taking these skills on board, they responded by producing some extraordinary work. The show on Saturday reflected this by presenting work that pushed the boundaries of design innovation whilst simultaneously responding to our current environmental and social issues.
“This was a dynamic showcase of student fashion collections drawn from an eclectic range of inspirations - from historical references, Avant Garde textiles, utilitarian uniforms, cultural heritage, Mid-century workwear, and more speculative future forms.”
Mikellis said the show provided a glimpse of the next generation of fashion designers.
“Feedback from media and industry was universally positive, with students already being considered for roles at leading NZ fashion labels, and having their collections lined up to be photographed by the media.”
Mikellis thanked the show’s sponsors, Cut Above Academy (Hair & Make-up), Unique Models and Vanity Walk Models, without whom the show would not have happened.
He also extended his gratitude to AUT lecturer Leica Johnson, senior lecturer Lisa McEwan, teaching assistant Imuy Teav and the first- and second-year Fashion Design students who helped to dress the models.
2022 graduate fashion show by the numbers
- 32 students’ work on display
- 33 models from agencies Unique and Vanity Walk
- 20 hair and makeup artists from Cut Above Academy
- 100 fashion industry guests from brands including, Zambesi, Federation, Taylor, Stolen Girlfriends Club, Wyn Hamlyn and Workshop
- 10 fashion photographers:
- 30 AUT student helpers