Meet the future faces of fashion: they’re bold, brave and breaking into South Australia’s industry with energy and style.
Now, perhaps more than ever before, the spotlight is set on emerging South Australian fashion talent. We’re producing some of the best in the country, with many landing career-starting internships and building their own successful brands post-graduation. Kick-starting the journey for many is the renowned Bachelor of Creative Arts (Fashion), which is an industry-focused degree delivered in partnership with TAFE SA and Flinders University.
The three-year course marries practical experience with the tools needed to succeed in fashion. Lessons in pattern making, garment construction and design are taught alongside marketing and fashion history classes, providing students with skills, opportunities and pathways into an industry that is often hard to crack.
We spoke to four recent graduates about their career ambitions, industry challenges and how their studies have shaped their entry into the fast-paced world of fashion
JOSEPHINE-ROSE ARGANESE
Describe your label in five words.
Flirty, quirky, artistic, colourful and bold.
What was the inspiration behind your graduate collection?
I saw a tutorial for pom poms on Pinterest and loved it – that’s when I knew I wanted to use them in my collection. The whole collection flowed from the pom poms, including the colour scheme, shapes and silhouettes.
How have your studies at TAFE SA prepared you for a career in the industry?
I loved the degree as I was surrounded by like-minded peers and lecturers who have worked in the industry. I hadn’t sewed much and didn’t know much about the industry when I started. Now I know there are so many other opportunities in fashion besides designing. The third year was my favourite as we could be as creative as we wanted yet always had the support of the lecturers. Since graduating, I’ve had a few lecturers help me with the launch of my brand.
How will you make your mark in the Australian fashion industry?
With love and lots of colour. I want my love of colour and print to be all over Australia.
How do you think emerging designers are overcoming obstacles in the fashion industry?
The fashion industry [has the potential]to be very isolating, but I’ve had the amazing opportunity of becoming a part of an initiative called The Fashion Est. The designers I share the space with are supportive and I love the little family we’ve become. We bounce ideas off each other and can always ask for advice.
LABEL: JOSEPHINE-ROSE COLLECTION
COLLECTION: HAD ME @ HELLO
@josephinerosecollection
ISABELLA TROWSE
Describe your label in five words.
Feminine, elegant, sophisticated, confident and alluring.
What was the inspiration behind your final graduate collection?
Citrus Sun was influenced by the Amalfi Coast. Lemon trees are found along the crystal blue coastline, which inspired me to paint the watercolour lemon floral print featured throughout my collection. My label, Zetii, is a resort wear brand reflecting warm summer days with modern-day romance.
What does the future of Australia’s fashion industry look like to you?
I would love to see the future of Australia’s fashion industry become less reliant on off-shore production. We have an incredible amount of talent in our country, and I hope Australia continues to develop and support its local fashion footprint.
How have your studies at TAFE SA prepared you for a career in the industry?
I didn’t have any experience with a sewing machine before my enrolment at TAFE SA. Pattern making was a crucial technique that we learned, and essential computer skills required for design are also a skill that I [now] use daily at my current workplace. I’m very grateful for my time at TAFE SA and Flinders University; [for me, it has] led to a Fashion Design Internship with Australian Fashion Group, Keepsake the Label.
Who would you credit as your biggest fashion inspiration?
Both of my grandmothers are my biggest fashion inspirations. They both worked at Hodders Furriers in the Adelaide Arcade in the 60s. My grandmas have always dressed with style and have incredible sewing skills. I think they undeniably influenced my interest in fashion.
LABEL: ZETII
COLLECTION: CITRUS SUN RESORT WEAR COLLECTION 2022
@zetii_australia
ANGELA SHAN
Describe your label in five words.
Modern, timeless, sophisticated, imaginative and elegant.
What was the inspiration behind your graduate collection?
My graduate collection, La Fleur Éternelle (The Eternal Flower) Spring/Summer 22, was inspired by the florals from my garden. The collection centres around organic shape, dimension and movement, and finding a balance between imperfection and beauty.
Why did you decide on a career in fashion?
I was drawn to fashion as it is a way to build my confidence and express who I am. Working in fashion gives me the opportunity to help others feel empowered and beautiful, so they too can have the freedom to express their unique style, personality and beauty.
How have your studies at TAFE SA prepared you for a career in the industry?
TAFE SA has taught me everything I need for my fashion career – from the creative process of designing to the technical aspect of sewing and pattern making.
How do you plan to carve out your own niche in fashion?
I plan on getting as much experience as possible by working for other amazing designers and brands. After this, I plan on focusing on creating my own brand, starting locally and online.
LABEL: ANZELA
COLLECTION: LA FLEUR ÉTERNELLE SPRING/SUMMER 2022
@anzelathelabel
RACHELLE GOSDEN
Describe the style of your label in five words.
Cool, classic, modern, timeless and chic.
You’ve just graduated and have already been featured in Vanity Fair UK. How does it feel?
It was honestly so crazy to be featured in Vanity Fair UK. I had manifested featuring in a magazine for my fashion designs, and then they somehow stumbled upon me!
What was the inspiration behind your graduate collection?
I had designed a completely different collection at first but changed it all before the pattern making and sewing started. I’m glad I did! My idea was to design something cool, simple and timeless.
How have your studies at TAFE SA prepared you for a career in the industry?
The TAFE SA course was very hands on and being taught by lecturers who have worked in the industry was highly beneficial.
What does the future of Australia’s fashion industry look like to you?
I hope more fashion brands incorporate slow fashion, decrease landfill and reduce clothing production. The next generation is more conscious of climate change and slow fashion is becoming more mainstream.
How do you plan to carve out your niche in the Australian fashion industry?
With LIAN BY LIAN, I plan to keep my production numbers small – I don’t like the idea of overproducing. I’d also love to incorporate my Malaysian background into my designs.
LABEL AND COLLECTION: LIAN BY LIAN
@lian.by.lian
Course Specs:
The dual-award course delivers the TAFE SA Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising [MST50119] co-currently with the Flinders University Bachelor of Creative Arts (Fashion).
Duration: Three years full-time
Prerequisites: None
Delivered: At the TAFE SA Adelaide City campus.
SATAC Code: 224901
Applications are now open for 2023.
To view the full range of fashion courses offered at TAFE SA visit tafesa.edu.au/fashion