Finale at AUT’s Rookie Graduate Show. Image supplied.
The future of New Zealand fashion is in good hands if AUT’s Rookie Graduate show is anything to go by. Twenty-three graduating fashion students sent their creative and innovative designs down the runway at Shed 10 on Auckland’s waterfront last week before a packed crowd of peers, tutors, family and many members of the local fashion industry. The chance to show what they’re made of to those that will potentially hire and guide them was a strong motivator for the talented graduates to bring their A-game to the event with each student sending their five best looks down the runway.
Over the years the show has been a huge kick-start to the careers of emerging designers, many of whom have gone on to find success in the industry and no doubt this latest group will prosper as well. As for the standouts from this year, it would certainly be hard to pick one favourite with so many interesting concepts and clever ideas on the runway. We particulary enjoyed Holly Marbeck’s fluid womenswear, the Eastern ideas in Annelise Du’s pieces and Briar Turner’s architectural Rococo style. Not to mention Zoe McNicholas’ take on upcycling, Bianca Van Zyl’s feminine lingerie-esque looks and Thanushi Mirage’s modern menswear.
Looks by Bianca van Zyl (left) and Zoe McNicolas (right)
Looks by Thanushi Mirage (left) and Annelise Du (right)
Looks by Holly Marbeck (left) and Briar Turner (right)
The students who showed on the runway were:
Congratulations to AUT’s graduating Rookies, we can’t wait to see what they all do next and we will certainly be seeing many of these names again in future.
Images by Thievery Studios.