Fairy-tale moment of Student's fashion

Students on the catwalk: the men's design was crafted by Trish, the gown by Cynthia.

In the spirit of shows like Project Runway, this year's finale of the highly anticipated fashion fundraising event STYLEAID will showcase 13 up and coming student designers. 

It is a tradition in the fashion world that the show finale is reserved for the most coveted of looks-and-this year's fashion and textile students from around Perth will be basking in the glory. 

One of Perth's most prominent fashion figures and STYLEAID creative director Aly May put the call out to WA design institutions six months ago, offering them the opportunity to have student design work featured alongside other designers including Aurelio Costarella and Vivienne Westwood on the catwalk.

Much like a challenge seen-on-Project Runway, prospective participants were instructed to create one outfit that incorporated the colour indigo which was inspired by the violin. With this in mind, students were asked to sketch their interpretation of the event's opulent theme.

Aurelio Costerella brand-manager Paul O'Connor was one of the judges who combed through over 50 entries along with Morrison's Liz Halse and United Constructions designers Jill Crabb and Helen Miraudo.  

"The brief was to create something non-traditional and non-conservative, something that they could really use their imagination to create a look with while still experimenting with their own style," Mr O'Connor said.

"We were looking for diversity in the selection-and-also people that were putting a new twist on the theme, without going for the obvious."

"STYLEAID has always had a student element but it has always been an individual collection."

"It has normally been more established designers who have shown at STYLEAID, so that's what is exciting for the students, the fact that they get to showcase alongside designers like Vivienne Westwood and Aurelio Costeralla. It gives them a better insight into making something catwalk ready-and-having it sit alongside more establish names," he added.   

The student garments are exclusive, one-off designs, which will close the show of the July 29 event.

In addition to a turn on the catwalk each garment was styled and photographed-by-emerging creative team All of the Above Creative, lead by local arts and fashion editor and Emma Bergmeier.

The student designers, along with STYLEAID veterans including Garth Cook and Ae`lkemi designer Alvin Fernandez will begin preparing-their-looks for the catwalk at the first model fitting which will be held over the weekend.

STYLEAID has been raising-funds-and awareness for the WA AIDS Council for over 14 years. This year's event will be held at the Burswood Grand Ballroom on July 29 and a limited number of tickets are still-available.

Make a Fashion Splash With Your Monsoon Rainwear

Make a fashion-statement every time you walk out of your home this-monsoon - in trendy trench coats, raincoats or gumboots. 
Indian designer Sonya Vajifdar, who has launched her rainwear line for men, women and children, as well as a special section for dogs, feels monsoon-wear is finally catching up in the country. 
"It's true that market for rainwear is not that great in India. There is hardly anyone in India who is making such lines. But the market of rainwear collection has evolved in the past two years and-people are open to new designs," Vajifdar said in an interview. 
She says her collection, which includes trench coats, rain coats and boots, caters to the international market as well. 
It is not that we are making the Indian collection. We design keeping in mind the Western markets also. The sensibility and the style- of the pieces are different, she said, adding that "exclusivity is hmportant for good business". 
"For instance, if you take inspiration from Burberry trench coat and make a collection on the same line, it will not be sold. I wouldn't expect anyone to buy from- me if they are getting the same design from Burberry. So you have to present a different thing and this is how you will get good business," she added. 
Designers stayed away from rainwear mainly because demand for raincoats or trench coats has not been so high as the monsoon is short in various parts of the country and people don't find it wise to invest in- rainwear. 
Sarika Joshi is one of the few designers who has forayed into this side of the business. She will launch her collection in October this year. 
"If designers launch something, they want profit. But what if people hardly get a chance to wear those clothes? Monsoon season in India is hardly of two-months. So usually people are sceptical about buying something which is not properly utilised. 
"But now things are-changing. People are ready to experiment with new designs, so I thought it's right time to launch a rainwear line. Today, people are open to spending money to looking nice. If we provide them a different rainwear line, then-why not? I think, these clothes will make a comeback in a better way," she said. 
The rainwears-actually don't burn a hole in your pocket - designer labels are available at a price range between Rs.2,000 and Rs.10,000. As far as local market is concerned, there are not too many places to look out for except a few shops in Rajouri Garden in the capital that stores trendy rainwear. 
Vajifdar, one of the first to experiment, feels her interchangeable outfits will be the next big trend in the fashion world. 
My latest rainwear collection will have an extra touch of neon to give the superfluous touch of glow and transparency. The line is made of net and metallic fabric and consists of some of the interchangeable pieces that you can mix and match with your outfit. The garments will create a buzz in the fashion world, she said. 
Kolkata-based designer Nitya Rao too is of the opinion that trends in rainwear have taken a drastic change and that "people are experimenting with-their looks". 
If you are planning to take a walk in the rain, make sure you are wearing the right fabric underneath your rain coats, said designer Raj Kaushik. 
"Fabrics like georgettes and crepes are best suited for monsoon in colours like orange, blue, yellow and earthy tones. Short dresses, hot pants, capris or even dungarees can add glamour to the look. Avoid flowy-dresses and jodhpuri trousers," said Kaushik. 


While preparing your wardrobe for the monsoon, choose trendy dresses to look glamorous, says Neeru Kumar. 


"With a perfect amalgamation of sophisticated jumpsuit, bright flip flops, statement umbrella, backpack tote, scarves to eclectic earrings, one can definitely ooze the oomph-factor on a rainy day," Kumar said in an interview. 
"Be specific about your footwear - go for waterproof-rainboots, slip-ons, zipper shoes. They are not only-comfortable but also protect your feet," she added.
source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com