With a judging panel of 10 industry leaders, and submissions of nearly 1000 images 100+ students from Australia’s leading Fashion Design schools, we could tell the Flaunter Emerging Designer Showcase of 2016 was going to be big.
The first group of 5 emerging talents has been selected by Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales- known to many as the talents behind Australian label Romance was Born.
“Known for their ability to transform any theme or inspiration into a glimmering chimerical fashion paradise full of wonderment. Their collections feature covetable prints, hand-worked details of appliqué, embroidery, intricate beading and intensely detailed sequinned elements. As a result, Romance Was Born creations are held in fashion and textile collections at the Powerhouse Museum and The National Gallery of Victoria.” Source
Founding their iconic label in 2005 after studying together at TAFE NSW’s Fashion Design Studio in Sydney, Anna and Luke are the perfect duo to kick off this element of the Emerging Designer Showcase.
Here are their 5 Faces to Watch:
JOHANNA SMITH, TAFE NSW Fashion Design Studio
“There is something whimsy and delicate about Johanna’s work that we are immediately attracted to. It’s so feminine and we like her use of colour and texture with silhouette.”
JESSICA WODZGA, TAFE NSW Fashion Design Studio
“This collection seems really texturally innovative and androgynous, which aren’t two things that usually go together, so we like that is different to everything else. It seems dark and moody too- very contemporary and cool.”
TALIA JIMENEZ, UTS
“Fun and cool menswear that we think girls will even want to wear. It’s nice that its masculine and has a sporty but artful vibe, two big ticks from us.”
NATALIE CHOI, UTS
“It looks like Natalie has had a good time making these clothes, and we think that counts alot. These pieces remind us of some Japanese designers we really admire, the colours and fabrications seem very unique. There aren’t enough experimental fashion voices in the world, good stuff!”
ZHUXUAN HE, UTS
“How totally beautiful and expressive, it’s so important students push the boundaries to see what they are capable of. This technique Zhuxuan has used is amazing and we love the add of colour gradation.”
