Textiles
Marielle Bouman
Northcote High School, Northcote
Wurundjeri Country
The Safety Collection
Aluminium, PLA, surgical steel, sterling silver
This jewellery collection was created to provide the end-user with an aesthetically pleasing safety alarm. Each piece of jewellery contains a GPS tracker that is activated by a fingerprint. This sends a SMS message to up to five contacts once activated and lets the recipients know that the sender is in danger. This can also be programmed to call emergency services. Each item incorporates lettering that makes up the word ‘salutem’, the Latin word for safety, etched into the metal. The ring also integrates 3D printed elements, adding material variety.
Samantha Dargan
St Paul's Anglican Grammar School, Warragul
Gunaikurnai Country
Second Life Garment
Bioplastic, charcoal bioplastic, chocolate lily seeds, hemp-silk fabric blend, cotton thread, rocks
My garment was designed for the end-user who wants to combat issues around fast fashion and the ‘wear it once’ culture. The end-user wanted a garment with a dark and artistic aesthetic that was functional and sustainable, so I aimed to create a product that had as little environmental impact as possible. My final product is a completely bio-degradable garment that contains seeds, to give the product a second use once it reaches the end of its life.
Milly Fletcher
Virtual School Victoria, Thornbury
Wurundjeri Country
Girton Grammar School, Bendigo
Dja Dja Wurrung Country
Sustainable Pant-suit
Cotton, linen, natural dye
My design brief was developed to create a semi-formal sustainable outfit for a climate activist end-user. Focusing heavily on sustainable materials and processes, the garment was created to tackle the issue of waste within the textile industry. I used avocado scraps to naturally dye the pant suit fabric pink, and collected scrap materials to use in the patchwork design. These processes helped to promote the zero waste ethos and the jacket is also reversible. My garment was made to be comfortable yet fashionable for the end-user, and to contain as minimal as possible amounts of chemicals and microplastics.
Lola Gittus
Star of the Sea College, Brighton
Bunurong Country
OzFruit Orchards Overalls and Picking Bag
Cotton, cotton linen blend, bronze bib and brace, metal zipper, buckles, ink
My design brief was developed to address difficulties that fruit pickers face with the usablity of their clothing and equipment while at work. My garments were designed and made to be durable and more comfortable than the regular picking wear and bags. This process involved various creative techniques, such as the crossed straps on the picking bag that reduce back pain. An additional consideration was using snap buckles, so that the straps can be undone easily. Hook and eyes were also used to easily remove fruit from the bag, which is not common in modern picking bags available on the market.
Ivy Hinkley
Northcote High School, Northcote
Wurundjeri Country
Transformer – Reversible Riding Suit
Wool, polyester, plastic, electroluminescent wire
My reversible riding suit was designed to facilitate eco travel, by featuring recycled, sustainable materials. The piece also incorporates a futuristic, solarpunk aesthetic. One side of the garment is for cycling and the reverse is an office suit for work. The garment supports low-emissions living and offers comfort, safety and style. Recycled plastic bags have been used to create a protective exoskeleton, with LEDs incorporated to provide extra visibility for night riding. Detachable arm and leg segments allow breathabability, while transforming into different styles to be worn across the changing seasons.
Zoe Nunn
Avila College, Mount Waverley
Wurundjeri Country
Adaptive Clothing for the Homeless
Poly poplin, nylon, insulation, high visibility ribbon, zips, velcro
My design brief fills a gap in the market for humanitarian-based clothing, specifically aimed at people experiencing homelessness. My research included interviews to understand the varied experiences of homelessness and the specific needs of those individuals. The full length jacket is made to sustain prolonged wear in harsh conditions and converts to a fully functioning sleeping bag that can store the end-user’s belongings. It has also been designed to look presentable in both public and professional environments.
Alyssa Payad
Marian College, Sunshine West
Wurundjeri Country
Sweet Ivy
Spandex, nylon, polyester, lace trim, plastic fastenings, metal zipper
I developed my design brief in response to the restricted and short life of dance costumes. I wanted to design a garment that met the needs of dancers when performing, while also taking into consideration the sustainability and longevity of the piece. My research involved observing dancers and their existing costumes and materials. Since there is currently no material substitute for stretchy synthetic, my piece’s environmental impacts are addressed through making a long-lasting garment that can be worn on a regular basis. The piece is multi-functional, as it can be altered into a gathered top by bringing up the skirt of the costume, transforming into an entirely different article of clothing.
Jake Sapstead
Brauer College, Warrnambool
Eastern Maar Country
Vampy Rose
Velvet, satin, eyelets, key chain rings, chains, copper wire
Vampy Rose was conceptualised as a way of investigating the notion of gender, while simultaneously challenging and exploring what it means to feel ‘sexy’ in a garment. I tailored my own unique pattern for an end-user who wants to celebrate their bodies’ natural curves through design. I chose to use contrasting materials, such as textiles and metal, to showcase the garment’s creativity and enhance the overall aesthetic. Vampy Rose intends to celebrate and glamourise men wearing feminine/female clothing and feeling ‘sexy’ in their unique way.
Tessa Schuurmans
Star of the Sea College, Brighton
Bunurong Country
Garment for Primary School Teacher
Lightweight denim, corduroy, faux suede, plastic and wooden buttons, wool, acrylic yarn, recycled plastic, cotton thread
I developed my garment to enable primary school teachers to educate students about environmental issues, particularly plastic pollution in the ocean. I directed my research towards children with learning difficulties and special needs. The garment includes detachable, tactile, crocheted marine animals that can be passed between students to assist in learning. Some of the sea creatures are interwoven with plastic, to highlight the perils of ocean plastics to marine life. The garment is suitable for a classroom environment because it is comfortable, and the colours chosen are bright and engaging for children.
Amelie Thompson
Virtual School Victoria, Thornbury
Templestowe College, Templestowe
Wurundjeri Country
The Purrfect Pair Cat Carrier
Felted merino wool, acrylic felt, cotton canvas, rope, pine wood, plastic, found branch
I designed the cat carrier for an end-user group that wanted a product that would provide a comforting environment for cats while travelling. My research found that travelling with a new cat is difficult, as cats are often anxious in new settings. I designed and created a carrier product that the cat would interact with on a daily basis, so it would feel safe and familiar when travelling. The carrier and stand are both tactile and interactive. There is a storage compartment in the back for treats and pet documentation. Additionally, the felted and rope elements are ideal for scratching and interactive play.
