AUT student designs for the future

“Five years from now, I would like to be rated amongst the most creative patternmakers in the industry,” she said with beaming confidence.

She said her core passion was patternmaking and that that she enjoyed the challenge of creating new patterns that are different and appealed to various ethnic groups.

Priyanka is not a typical knitwear student, since she uses knitting machines mainly to create what she said, “fabrics with personality.”

A native of Mumbai in India, her creativity centred on the time-tested and unique architecture found in Temples of India.

“My fabrics comprise everyday colours, including that are bright and bold,” she said.

Her peers and teachers cited a number of beautiful garments that she created out of fabrics used to design school uniforms as an example.

“She is interested in finding new ways to create garments out of exquisite patterns, including one-piece items.

AUT recognised her patternmaking talent with two ‘Cut Awards.’

The Rookie Show, exclusive to third year fashion students at the University, attracted 55 entrants, of which 22 were selected for the show.

The event, held at St Pauls Anglican Church on Symonds Street in Auckland, was filled with designers, fashion enthusiasts and the media.

There were several items that stunned the audience.

They included Ostrich leather jackets (Meghann Hemmings), body-altering neoprene (Jacenta Kwan) and fluid feminine shapes (Simone Hine, Michaela Inger). 

Natalie Allingham offered a contemporary take on the art of smocking, while colour blocking was the key in several collections such as Binna Lim, Cait Farrow and Megan Lowe.

Some contestants brought back a bygone era.

They were the 1930s collections (Abby Davidson), Religion (Celia Phillips) and Maori Aesthetics (Adrianne Whitewood). 

Olivia Benefield explored motherhood with unique prints and Reiko Fukuda considered the move from childhood to adulthood, topping structured undergarments in sheer chiffon.

A press note said layering was an important theme (Ana Vemic), as was the idea of elongation (Alana Bishop).

“The graphics of the 1980s made an appearance in knitwear by Haylee Barry and Lan Ching Fu played with the fusion between jewellery and fashion, to stunning effect.”

There was a display of men’s wear with collections inspired by progression (Blaire Archibald) and Samoan Tatau (Sandra Tupu). 

Sara Wilson showed severe, oversized menswear pieces and Victoria Green’s collection featured foxes and hunting references.

Glenn Yungnickel’s raspberry menswear and Alysha Gover’s innovative fashion, inspired by the craft of knitting were among the highlights of the show.

Those who missed the Rookie Fashion show may be able to get a glimpse at the Rookie Fashion & Costume Exhibition that will be held at the AUT School of Art and Design, located at St Pauls Street in the Central Business District on November 13 and 14. Details can be obtained on phone (09) 9219663.

Email artbox@aut.ac.nz