Spotlight on standout designers

Among the graduating class, Khoboso Nale emerged as a powerful voice in contemporary fashion, blending traditional African motifs with modern silhouettes. Her collection, titled “Echoes of the Homeland”, featured bold prints, handwoven fabrics, and intricate beadwork that paid homage to her heritage while pushing the boundaries of textile manipulation. Each piece told a story, with layered textures and asymmetrical cuts that challenged conventional design norms. Her work was met with enthusiastic applause, with many industry insiders noting her potential to make waves on the international stage.

Equally captivating was Evelyn Hernandez, whose collection “Urban Reverie” explored the intersection of streetwear and high fashion. Drawing inspiration from Sydney’s vibrant inner-city culture, Hernandez incorporated recycled denim, oversized tailoring, and graffiti-inspired embroidery. Her designs struck a balance between edgy and wearable, reflecting a deep understanding of youth culture and sustainability. The attention to detail in her craftsmanship, from hand-stitched patches to custom-dyed fabrics, demonstrated a level of maturity and vision well beyond her years.

Other standout designers included Liam Tran, whose minimalist aesthetic and architectural approach to garment construction earned him praise for his precision and restraint. His monochromatic palette and clean lines offered a stark contrast to the more maximalist collections, yet his work resonated for its quiet sophistication. Meanwhile, Aisha Rahimi’s ethereal eveningwear, adorned with delicate lace and hand-applied crystals, brought a sense of romance and fantasy to the runway, showcasing her flair for couture-level embellishment.

These designers, among others, not only demonstrated technical excellence but also a strong sense of identity and purpose in their work. Their collections reflected a diverse range of cultural influences, personal narratives, and forward-thinking concepts, positioning them as exciting new voices in the Australian fashion landscape.

A celebration of creativity and innovation

The graduating class this year demonstrated an extraordinary breadth of imagination and forward-thinking design, with each collection serving as a testament to the students’ ability to push creative boundaries. From conceptual storytelling to experimental fabric manipulation, the showcase was a vibrant celebration of innovation in all its forms. Many designers embraced sustainability not just as a trend, but as a core philosophy, incorporating upcycled materials, plant-based dyes, and zero-waste pattern techniques into their work. This commitment to ethical fashion was not only commendable but also indicative of a generation deeply attuned to the environmental and social responsibilities of the industry.

One particularly striking example was a collection that reimagined traditional tailoring through the lens of deconstruction. Jackets were split and reassembled with exposed seams and raw edges, challenging the viewer’s perception of formality and structure. Another designer explored the concept of wearable technology, embedding LED lights and responsive textiles into garments that changed colour or shape based on movement and temperature. These pieces blurred the line between fashion and science, offering a glimpse into the future of interactive clothing.

Textile innovation was also a standout theme, with several students developing their own fabrics through unconventional means. One designer created a series of garments using hand-felted wool blended with silk organza, resulting in a tactile contrast that was both visually arresting and technically complex. Others experimented with digital printing techniques, layering photographic imagery and abstract patterns to create immersive visual narratives across their collections.

Beyond the technical achievements, what truly set this year’s showcase apart was the emotional depth and personal resonance embedded in many of the collections. Designers drew from their own experiences—grief, migration, identity, and resilience—to craft garments that were not only beautiful but deeply meaningful. These stories were communicated through symbolic motifs, thoughtful colour palettes, and innovative silhouettes that invited the audience to engage on a more intimate level.

In celebrating creativity and innovation, the showcase reaffirmed the power of fashion as a medium for expression, activism, and transformation. The graduating designers proved that they are not only skilled artisans but also visionary thinkers, ready to shape the future of Australian fashion with boldness and authenticity.

Highlights from the runway showcase

The runway showcase was a dynamic culmination of the graduating class’s vision, with 82 distinct looks parading down the catwalk in a seamless blend of artistry and technical prowess. Each segment of the show was carefully choreographed to highlight the individuality of the designers while maintaining a cohesive narrative that celebrated diversity and experimentation. The audience, a mix of industry professionals, family, and fashion enthusiasts, was treated to a visual journey that traversed cultural heritage, futuristic aesthetics, and deeply personal storytelling.

One of the most memorable moments came during the presentation of Khoboso Nale’s collection, where models moved with deliberate grace, allowing the intricate beadwork and layered textiles to catch the light. The rhythmic soundtrack, inspired by traditional African percussion, added a visceral energy that elevated the garments beyond mere fashion into performance art. Similarly, Evelyn Hernandez’s models strutted with urban confidence, their oversized silhouettes and graffiti motifs amplified by a pulsating hip-hop beat that echoed the streets of Sydney’s Inner West.

Several collections stood out for their theatricality. Aisha Rahimi’s eveningwear was presented under a soft, ethereal glow, with models gliding down the runway like apparitions in a dream. The delicate shimmer of hand-applied crystals and lace caught the light with every movement, drawing audible gasps from the audience. In contrast, Liam Tran’s minimalist pieces were showcased in stark lighting, with models walking in silence to emphasise the purity and precision of his designs. The juxtaposition of these two presentations underscored the breadth of talent and the range of aesthetic approaches within the cohort.

Other highlights included a gender-fluid collection that challenged traditional norms through fluid draping and non-binary silhouettes, and a series of sculptural garments inspired by Australian flora, constructed from biodegradable materials and dyed with native plant extracts. These looks not only impressed with their visual impact but also sparked conversations around inclusivity and sustainability—key themes that resonated throughout the showcase.

The styling and model casting were equally thoughtful, with a strong emphasis on representation and authenticity. Models of diverse backgrounds, body types, and gender identities brought the garments to life in a way that felt both current and inclusive. Hair and makeup choices were tailored to complement each designer’s vision, ranging from bold, avant-garde statements to natural, understated finishes that let the clothing speak for itself.

As the final model exited the runway and the lights dimmed, the audience erupted in applause, a testament to the emotional and creative impact of the evening. The showcase not only highlighted the technical and artistic achievements of the graduating class but also offered a compelling glimpse into the future of Australian fashion—one that is bold, inclusive, and unafraid to challenge convention.

Standout designers and their inspirations

Among the 2024 graduating class, Khoboso Nale emerged as a visionary force, blending her South African heritage with contemporary tailoring. Her collection, rooted in ancestral storytelling, featured structured silhouettes softened by handwoven textiles and earthy palettes. Each look was a tribute to matriarchal strength, with layered garments that moved with quiet power. Nale’s use of recycled cotton and natural dyes also underscored her commitment to sustainable practices, aligning with the growing eco-conscious direction of the Australian fashion market.

Evelyn Hernandez captivated with a bold, sculptural approach inspired by the architecture of her native El Salvador. Her designs played with asymmetry and volume, using neoprene and metallic mesh to create futuristic forms that challenged traditional notions of femininity. The standout piece—a silver cocoon dress with laser-cut detailing—drew audible gasps from the audience. Hernandez’s work speaks to a new generation of designers unafraid to merge art and fashion with unapologetic confidence.

Other notable talents included Mei Lin, whose minimalist aesthetic was influenced by Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy. Her collection featured raw silk tunics and deconstructed suiting in a muted palette of sand, slate, and bone. Lin’s quiet elegance offered a counterpoint to the more maximalist collections, proving that restraint can be just as impactful on the runway.

These designers, each with a distinct voice, reflect the diversity and innovation shaping the future of fashion. Their collections not only showcased technical skill but also a deep understanding of cultural narrative, sustainability, and modern femininity—elements that resonate strongly with the Australian fashion audience.

Highlights from the runway showcase

The runway showcase was a vibrant tapestry of textures, silhouettes, and storytelling, with 82 distinct looks that pushed the boundaries of graduate fashion. From the first model’s confident stride to the final dramatic exit, the energy in the room was electric—each collection unfolding like a chapter in a larger narrative of identity, resilience, and reinvention.

Khoboso Nale’s opening sequence set the tone with a procession of earth-toned ensembles that moved with a grounded elegance. Her use of layered drapery and structured shoulders created a powerful visual rhythm, while the subtle interplay of hand-dyed fabrics and recycled materials spoke volumes about her sustainable ethos. The audience responded with palpable admiration, particularly to a floor-length wrap coat in ochre and indigo that seemed to float down the runway.

In contrast, Evelyn Hernandez’s segment delivered a jolt of futuristic drama. Models emerged in sculptural neoprene forms, their silhouettes exaggerated and commanding. The silver cocoon dress, already a standout in pre-show buzz, shimmered under the lights, its laser-cut panels casting intricate shadows. Hernandez’s finale look—a metallic jumpsuit with a high-structured collar and fluid cape—earned a spontaneous round of applause, cementing her as a designer to watch.

Mei Lin’s minimalist collection offered a moment of quiet reflection amidst the spectacle. Her models walked barefoot, the soft rustle of raw silk tunics and loosely tailored trousers creating an almost meditative atmosphere. The muted palette—sand, slate, bone—allowed the craftsmanship to shine. A deconstructed blazer with exposed seams and asymmetrical lapels drew particular attention for its subtle complexity.

Other highlights included a playful, gender-fluid collection by Luca Tran, featuring oversized knits in candy hues and hand-painted denim. Tran’s use of recycled yarns and inclusive sizing resonated with the audience, especially among younger viewers. Meanwhile, Aisha Farouk’s eveningwear line dazzled with hand-beaded gowns inspired by Islamic geometric patterns, offering a rich interplay of tradition and modernity.

The diversity of aesthetics and cultural references on display reflected the evolving face of Australian fashion—one that embraces global influences while championing local voices. The showcase was not just a presentation of garments, but a celebration of emerging talent ready to shape the industry with boldness and authenticity.