Fashion creatives adapt to new consumer priorities as Curtin’s Fashion Course celebrates 20 years

24/06/2022. By Carmelle Wilkinson.

The 20|30 Fashion + Interior Architecture: A Curtin Alumni Retrospective is now on display at Curtin University. Photo credit: John Koh.

After two years of disruption, the global fashion industry is roaring back to life.

Emerging from the pandemic haze, stronger than ever, fashion companies are adapting to new consumer priorities and shifting their focus towards more sustainable and ethical wear.

Here on home soil the fashion industry continues to go from strength to strength, with several local designers and creatives making their mark on the local, national, and international markets.

As Curtin celebrates 20 years of fashion studies this year, Deputy Head of School Anne Farren reflects on the evolution of the industry and celebrates the significant contributions of our diverse collection of fashion alumni and recent graduates.

Head of Fashion at Curtin Anne Farren. Photo credit: John Koh.

“Over the past few years, I’ve seen many strong factors change the course of fashion. One being sustainable practices and the other COVID-19,’’ she said.

“Sustainable fashion has changed student practice and graduate awareness. Everyone is so much more aware about understanding sustainable fashion practices, reducing waste and being more ethical in their production.

“COVID-19 has also changed the way the maker or designer interacts with their consumer. It’s made everyone think about the way they engage with consumers and how they operate their business.”

Sustainable fashion practices such as reducing waste, using second hand fabric and being more ethical in production are in style.

Anne said there had also been a natural shift away from “one size fits all” and greater appreciation for customisation.

Reflecting on her own journey with fashion, Anne said she was just 11 years old when she fell in love with textiles and patterns.

“I attended Singer sewing classes in the city which were incredibly helpful and opened the door to a future in fashion. I must have been the youngest person there,’’ she joked.

“Sitting at long trestle tables I learnt the foundations of making garments. I was much taller than others my age and the trendy clothes in store didn’t suit me or fit me, so I had no option but to make my own.

“I got so good, before long I was making clothes for my Mum’s friends.”

Anne said sewing classes when she was 11 years old was the start of her fashion journey.

After leaving school Anne became a high school art teacher, before curating large scale textile exhibitions abroad in Japan and Thailand.

“I guess you could say I’ve always had the thread of art practice in me. Throughout my career I’ve enjoyed an intrinsic craft making ability, and really enjoy passing on that knowledge to my students,’’ she said.

The current exhibition 20|30 – A Curtin Alumni Retrospective, celebrates 20 years of fashion and 30 years of interior architecture at Curtin.

Curtin’s Head of Fashion Anne Farren and Head of Interior Architecture Dr Aleksa Bijelovic. Photo credit: John Koh.

Hosted by the Curtin School of Design and the Built Environment, the exhibition profiles the rich tapestry of course experiences and graduate achievements.

One of those successful graduates was WRIGHT Systems.

WRIGHT Systems are a group of creatives pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion.

The WA brand, consisting of Harrison Gerhardy (BA Creative Advertising & Graphic Design, 2018), Loki Surma-Litchfield (BA Screen Arts, 2019) Joshua Rees (BA (Fashion), 2019) and Declan MacPhail (BA (Fashion), 2020) are redefining the boundaries of fashion as we know it.

Collaborating out of a warehouse in Mt Lawley, they combine storytelling and cinematic experience to take consumers on a creative journey.

WRIGHT Systems are bringing their brand to life through storytelling and cinematic experience.

“Our brand is very narrative driven, and reference based. Fashion for us is a translation of unseen things, such as identity, philosophy and ideals,’’ Joshua said.

“For us fashion is a platform to tell stories, and it’s also an opportunity to bring various art disciplines together. For instance, when we’re planning a runway show there is lighting, music design, styling, casting performance art,’’ Harrison said.

“As a collective our brand is about self-expression. When building our outfits, we play close attention to what character would wear this and how they would be expressing themselves.”

Fashions from Wright Systems.

Their recently launched zero waste program, appeals to a broader demographic and could revolutionise the way t-shirts are produced.

“We have really embraced recycling and our garment process usually begins with a sustainability element,’’ Declan said.

“That forms the foundation of our design and then it can go a number of different ways from there. I guess that’s the beauty of working in a team, we don’t have to rely on one particular structure.”

Zero to waste shirts.

The groups zero waste program is a gamechanger and involves creating the least amount of waste in the garment making process.

Sourcing second hand fabric and buttons, the team is working towards having 100 per cent of their thread made from plastic bottles in a further push towards sustainability.

Another remarkable WA designer highlighted at the exhibition is Antoinette Raphael of RAW WAR (BD Fashion, 2017).

Designer and founder of RAW WAR, Antoinette Raphael.

Her high-end streetwear label underwent a transformation during COVID-19, remerging with a new expressive ready to wear line.

“I used COVID-19 to redefine my work and build on my brand. I love runway pieces, but I wanted to make them more wearable to the consumer,’’ she said.

“I now have a ready to wear line and can also customise any of my runway pieces to suit the individual.”

Antoinette’s creations echo confidence and comfort.

With oversized silhouettes, vibrant colour palettes, monogram prints and bold graphics, RAW WAR appeals to a wide demographic.

“I want wearers to feel comfortable and confident in my brand,’’ Antoinette said.

Antoinette draws inspiration for her assertive designs from music, pop and post-modern art, traditional and modern culture.

“When I was younger Mum would dress me head to toe and I really enjoyed the process. So much so I would practice on paper cut-out dolls,’’ she said.

“In high school I took up sewing classes and my interest grew, Once I knew I had the skillset to create – that was the turning point.”

Since its launch in 2016, RAW WAR has been recognised by British Vogue and appeared internationally at London Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week.

RAW WAR appeared in the July 2018 edition of Vogue magazine.

“My advice to any aspiring designers would be take your time and put your whole heart into it. Ask lots of questions and utilise social media,’’ she said.

“Like any business there will be trial and error and you’ll need to make some sacrifices but once you establish your brand it is so rewarding. When people appreciate your work, it just warms my heart.”

Weaving together creativity, sustainability and innovation, Anne said graduates from Curtin had successfully gained recognition and respect on the international stage and she looked forward to the future.

20|30 A Curtin Alumni Retrospective is on display at Building 418, Curtin Bentley Campus until Friday August 7.

___

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Congratulations to Curtin graduate Dr Sandy Chong on being inducted into WA’s Women’s Hall of Fame! 👏🎉

A trailblazer and champion of women’s empowerment, Sandy’s journey to leadership is a testament to resilience and dedication to dismantling barriers for migrant women in Australia.

As the first Asian person to be elected as President of the United Nations Association in WA, Sandy works tirelessly with local communities, civil society groups, and governments to promote peace, social justice, and inclusion.

Beyond advocacy, Sandy is a passionate mentor for countless young women and migrants through organisations like UN Women, Cherie Blair Foundation and Zonta House Refuge, to name a few.

“This award holds profound significance for me, not only as a woman but also as a migrant in this country. Living in Australia for nearly 30 years, I've encountered and witnessed firsthand the challenges that many face - battling hardships, dealing with both societal and cultural stereotypes, and overcoming systemic barriers. 

“The award is not just a personal achievement for me but also a testament to the resilience and strength of all migrant women everywhere,” Sandy says.

We are so proud of you Sandy, and your unwavering commitment to advancing women’s empowerment in Australia and across Asia! 💛🌏

Read Sandy’s powerful story in #CurtinCommons via link in bio. 👆

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Congratulations to Curtin graduate Dr Sandy Chong on being inducted into WA’s Women’s Hall of Fame! 👏🎉

A trailblazer and champion of women’s empowerment, Sandy’s journey to leadership is a testament to resilience and dedication to dismantling barriers for migrant women in Australia.

As the first Asian person to be elected as President of the United Nations Association in WA, Sandy works tirelessly with local communities, civil society groups, and governments to promote peace, social justice, and inclusion.

Beyond advocacy, Sandy is a passionate mentor for countless young women and migrants through organisations like UN Women, Cherie Blair Foundation and Zonta House Refuge, to name a few.

“This award holds profound significance for me, not only as a woman but also as a migrant in this country. Living in Australia for nearly 30 years, I`ve encountered and witnessed firsthand the challenges that many face - battling hardships, dealing with both societal and cultural stereotypes, and overcoming systemic barriers.

“The award is not just a personal achievement for me but also a testament to the resilience and strength of all migrant women everywhere,” Sandy says.

We are so proud of you Sandy, and your unwavering commitment to advancing women’s empowerment in Australia and across Asia! 💛🌏

Read Sandy’s powerful story in #CurtinCommons via link in bio. 👆

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Want to volunteer at future Curtin events and connect with fellow alumni? Express your interest via the link in bio. 👆

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We had a blast at Curtin Open Day on the weekend! 🎉📚

Thank you to all our amazing alumni volunteers who spent their Sunday with us at our Curtin Alumni Human Library stall!

It was great to see the campus buzzing and have so many people visit our stall to chat to the team and write their very own ‘Future Me’ postcards - we hope you enjoy reminiscing and reading them in the years to come!

These amazing events don’t come together without our alumni volunteers, so a big thank you for taking the time to share your wisdom with our future graduates! 💛

Want to volunteer at future Curtin events and connect with fellow alumni? Express your interest via the link in bio. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinLife #CurtinOpenDay #Thankyou #Alumni #Volunteers #Opportunity #Event #PopUp #Volunteering #Community
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Dive into Tara’s day above. 👆 

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What motivates Curtin graduate Tara Jeisman to start her day at 4AM? ⏰🤯

As the Founder of @_seagals_ , Tara is passionate about waking up at the crack of dawn to create a safe space for women to swim in the ocean and feel comfortable in their own skin. 🌊🏊

What began as an opportunity to seize the day and feed her soul soon became a body-positive movement, with over 125 girls of all ages around the world now following Tara into the surf each week.

That’s not all, Tara is now incorporating her Curtin Psychology Honours degree into her swims by adding self-reflection and mindful moments. As the movement continues to grow, Tara hopes to continue to create a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community and women of all shapes and sizes. 💙

Dive into Tara’s day above. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #DayintheLife #Alumni #SeaGals #Movement #BodyPositivity #Women #Swimming #Beach #BodyImage #Community #MentalHealth #PerthisOk #PerthLife #PerthToDo #Scarborough
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Fast forward to 2024, she is the Founder and CEO of her own independent financial planning and consulting company, QM Financial which assists corporations, small businesses, and individuals with all their financial needs.

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From balancing cheque books at day to creating belly laughs at night, Ligwina shares how she has been able to make a living doing what she loves.

Read the full story via the link in bio. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #CurtinCommons #IWD2024 #InvestinWomen #InspireInclusion #FemaleLeader #Future #Careers #Connection #Business #Leadership #Finance #Comedian #Indonesia #Global #Alumni
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Fast forward to 2024, the Global Director of People for popular tea brand @t2tea hasn’t stopped asking questions. ☕

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The platform is dedicated to influencing emerging markets by providing support, mentorship, and opportunities for women to share their experiences, and ideas and empower each other to reach new heights in their careers and beyond. 💜

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#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2024 #InspireInclusion #InvestinWomen #FemaleLeader #Future #Careers #FinancialEducation #Education #Equity #Equality #GenderEquity #Diversity #Inclusion

Curtin graduate Dikshita Awotarowa is already creating spaces where women can thrive in the finance industry. 🙋‍♀️

For Dikshita, embarking on a career in the male-dominated finance industry did come with its challenges, as she often found herself part of a minority in various investor meetings and conferences.

Determined to bridge the gender divide, Dikshita founded the Women in Finance and Investment Network.

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This International Women’s Day, Dikshita shares how we can pave the path forward toward a more equitable future via the link in bio. 👆

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2024 #InspireInclusion #InvestinWomen #FemaleLeader #Future #Careers #FinancialEducation #Education #Equity #Equality #GenderEquity #Diversity #Inclusion
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Curtin Commerce graduate Brett Marris understands how daunting it can be trying to land your dream role once you’ve completed your studies. 🎓💼

Since graduating from Curtin, Brett has found himself loving life at Rio Tinto as part of their People Experience function, managing the recruitment of a variety of senior leadership and technical positions around the business.

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𝟏. 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐛 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐩 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞. This can be something as simple as volunteering your time after hours or helping at an event. Doing this allows you to meet and get to know people you would otherwise not regularly interact with.

𝟐. 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝. Just because something doesn’t tick every box at a certain point in time, don’t let this deter you from taking a chance or trying something new. You may surprise yourself.

𝟑. 𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫. You never know when you may need to leverage these or when the opportunity to assist someone else will arise.

Thanks for sharing, Brett!

Looking at pursuing a career in mining? Learn more about Rio Tinto's 2024 Intern Program and 2025 Graduate Program, and other great opportunities at Curtin's UniHub here 👉  https://bit.ly/3wyxTky

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #Careers #Advice #RioTinto #CareerTips #Graduates #Alumni #HumanResources #Mining

Curtin Commerce graduate Brett Marris understands how daunting it can be trying to land your dream role once you’ve completed your studies. 🎓💼

Since graduating from Curtin, Brett has found himself loving life at Rio Tinto as part of their People Experience function, managing the recruitment of a variety of senior leadership and technical positions around the business.

Brett shares below his top three tips for fellow graduates looking to start their career off on the right foot.

𝟏. 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐛 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐩 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞. This can be something as simple as volunteering your time after hours or helping at an event. Doing this allows you to meet and get to know people you would otherwise not regularly interact with.

𝟐. 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝. Just because something doesn’t tick every box at a certain point in time, don’t let this deter you from taking a chance or trying something new. You may surprise yourself.

𝟑. 𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫. You never know when you may need to leverage these or when the opportunity to assist someone else will arise.

Thanks for sharing, Brett!

Looking at pursuing a career in mining? Learn more about Rio Tinto`s 2024 Intern Program and 2025 Graduate Program, and other great opportunities at Curtin`s UniHub here 👉 https://bit.ly/3wyxTky

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #Careers #Advice #RioTinto #CareerTips #Graduates #Alumni #HumanResources #Mining
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