Photography @ldaphnenguyen
Makeup @seanetc
Hair @kyye
Model @maisinadaze
#Narcissum
by Alyssa Sun
The collection is inspired by 80s/90s fetish wear. ‘Narcissism’ is an extreme version of being self-centred; it means self-expression, self-obsession, desire for fantasy and beauty, and drawing attention from others. The ultimate elements of fetish wear, corsets and latex, are applied differently throughout the collection. The sculptured latex pieces cupping the body, and the corsetry prints making the tight-lacing illusion; these are my exploration and understanding of fetish wear. The aim of this collection is to spread the idea of body-confidence and be sexy all the time.
How was your creative process different due to the restrictions in 2020? How did fashion honours help you through the turmoils of 2020?
I think it was hard for me to produce anything at the beginning of the course, when we couldn’t access the facilities at uni. Also, staying at home didn’t inspire me at all. But after the situation got better, and we could go out, the issue was gone. Looking back on 2020, my honours year was more special. Everybody did amazing work during this tough situation which made everything more meaningful, it’s an unforgettable memory.
Photography @lizhamdotcom
Styling and accessories @adhocwerkspace
Hair @sophieroberts_hair
Photography assistant @arashilam2
Makeup artist @joel_babicci
Models @tradisradd @gharps @honorsworld
#The Bowerbirds
by Sally Jackson
My honours research is about what we, as fashion designers, can do to make fashion more sustainable. I remained open-minded when I found out we would not have a fashion show, because it felt like an opportunity to have conversations with people attending the student showcase. I enjoyed discussing my individual design development, and philosophy behind making the collection. I received a lot of positive feedback from other fashion students who were also interested in creating sustainable fashion collections in the future.
‘The Bowerbirds’ is a couture collection that demonstrates that couture fashion can be unique, beautiful and sustainable by using only upcycled vintage garments and textile waste. Different species of bowerbirds inspire the prints, embellishments and colour palettes for each look. The birds have particular tastes in the colours and objects that they use to decorate their nests; they are amazing natural architects and designers. Swarovski sponsors my collection, so I used upcycled crystals to embellish the designs. This went well with my Bowerbird concept too, as the birds love collecting shiny objects to decorate their bower nests.
How did 2020 change your design practice?
Studying in isolation allowed me to source materials locally and support businesses like Reverse Garbage in Marrickville, who are known for diverting industry waste from landfill to creative projects like my honours collection.
Sourcing textiles was the biggest challenge
for the project. The design process started with research into the visual language of the collection, and then I had to find relevant waste textiles and pre-loved garments to fit
the collection’s aesthetic.
Photography @lexilaphorphoto
Makeup @elizabethclewis
Model @amber.rose
#Wide Angle Smile
by Gisella Candi
My honours collection focuses on the idea of ‘deviant dress’ and the idea that society often celebrates tradition and passivity, over authentic expression of self. Therefore, the silhouettes and print work within my work depict the struggle of wrestling with convention and individuality.
What are your thoughts on the cancelling of the UTS Fashion Show?
Although shocked and disappointed at first, the cancellation of the UTS Fashion show slowly but surely became the least of our problems in 2020. From worrying about showcasing the work we hadn’t even made yet, to fighting to be allowed onto campus to use the textile facilities; the past year became a testament to the hardworking students and staff of DAB.
Runways around the world have been cancelled or digitised, and to put it plainly, it would have been completely tone deaf if UTS went ahead with our annual runway. Instead, the UTS staff pushed hard to give us a three-day media showcase to help students reach out to industry professionals. This was a new and exciting event that we are beyond thankful for. Once again, thank you to Armando Chant, Alana Clifton and all of the F&T staff for their support during 2020.
To shadow any of the hard work the honours graduates have put into their collections, with any resentment towards a cancelled runway, would be a shame. It only takes one look at the UTS Fashion 2020 website, or each student’s design Instagram accounts to see what incredible work we achieved, despite all of the challenges. I am so proud of myself and my cohort for powering through 2020, and I am so excited to see the future of fashion unfold with all the amazing and relentless faces behind it.