TAFE students score fashion festival gig
Friday, 7 August 2009 4:55PM
TAFE fashion students (left to right) Amanda Jones, Sarah Lankester and Heinrich Lutz.
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane will have a distinct far northern feel this year when Cairns TAFE fashion students Heinrich Lutz, Amanda Jones and Sarah Lankester take their positions behind the scenes.
The three students were individually selected to participate in the event as part of the Queensland Government's Regional Fashion Student Program.
As the successful students they will gain a first-hand insight into how fashion shows are created and styled, how designers find inspiration to create their collections and the importance of communicating with the market and media.
Tropical North Queensland TAFE fashion students were invited to submit their fashion portfolios for a chance to participate in the festival.
They were then chosen on the quality of their portfolio, passion for design and interview skills.
Sarah Lankester, 23, says she anticipates the experience will be truly memorable.
"It's such a great opportunity. We will be able to see exactly what goes on behind the scenes and hopefully make a few contacts while we are there," Sarah said.
The students will attend the festival over two days, helping back stage, meeting Queensland designers and visiting various fashion exhibitions throughout Brisbane.
Amanda Jones, 21,says the trip will be a great experience and hopefully provide some inside knowledge on what it takes to be a professional designer.
"I think we are all looking at this as a stepping stone and getting ideas of where we can take our fashion careers once we finish at TAFE," Amanda said.
"Hopefully we can make some contacts the rumour is we may meet Jennifer Hawkins, but we'll see."
As part of the student program the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane will cover flights and accommodation for participants. The festival will run from 23 – 28 August in Brisbane.
TAFE's fashion program is a 12 month course and commences at the start of each year. For more information visit www.tnqit.tafe.qld.gov.au or call 1300 656 959.
TAFE media contact: Graeme Nielsen 0439 791 594