Textiles
Jemma Billing
Northcote High School
Wurundjeri Country
Mr Tony's Turtles
Cotton, fleece, silk, calico, wire, stuffing, velvet, leather
I produced two sensory-friendly comfort toys aimed to foster concentration, playfulness, a sense of safety and calmness. The first turtle focuses on enhancing concentration and cognitive abilities, employing various tactile materials, wire legs for interactive engagement, a weighted component for simulated human touch, and a seamlessly integrated tracking device for security. The second toy maintains continuity with the first but prioritizes materials that induce calmness, featuring a cuddly blanket and visual cues like sleepy eyes for a serene experience.
Alexandra Fleischmann
Sacred Heart College Geelong, Newtown
Wadawurrung Wathaurong Country
LED Mountain Biking Vest
Water-resistant polyester, water-resistant microfibre fabric, mesh, zippers, velcro
Mountain biking is a sport that requires the athlete to carry many items and tools with them. Current mountain biking apparel on the market lacks adequate storage for biking essentials. I have therefore designed this vest with storage in mind, incorporating several pockets of varying sizes to accommodate a range of mountain biking tools. The detachable battery-operated LED light panels enhance the wearer’s visibility and safety on the tracks, avoiding the need to bring a separate light source. The mesh panels located under the arm aid breathability and airflow, and the flexible laser-cut side pockets can carry almost any size drink bottle.
Jasmine Goon
Ballarat High School, Lake Gardens
Wadawurrung Wathaurong Country
Utility Jumpsuit for Fine Artists
100% reused cotton corduroy, denim jeans, elastic, satin, zips, press studs
After struggling to maintain desk space and organise materials during my own art making processes, I created this utility jumpsuit to address fine artists’ needs for practical and convenient storage solutions. Designed to redefine a conventional art apron, my unique garment has biodegradable full body coverage that safeguards the user from mess. With strategic arm, torso and leg pocket placements, art materials are accessible and desk clutter is eliminated. Contrasting colours make material stains easily identifiable and aesthetically complement the wearable art to promote artistic expression.
Alexa Hernyak
Emmaus College, Vermont South
Wurundjeri Country
Smarty Pants
100% cotton denim, 100% cotton lining, non-woven interfacing, zippers, clasps, button
Melbourne’s extreme daily weather fluctuations present challenges when it comes to choosing comfortable, climate-appropriate clothes. To address this issue, I chose to explore transformable clothing. The Smarty Pants were designed to adapt to Melbourne’s ‘four seasons in one day’. These fun and fashionable full-length denim pants entirely transform into shorts and a functional tote bag. My design is made up of panels edged with chunky zippers that can be assembled in various directions, and also features a smart multipurpose strap.
Katelyn Hon
Ave Maria College, Aberfeldie
Wurundjeri Country
Less is More
Cuprammonium rayon, linen, buttons
As the global population continues to grow, humans are running out of space in their households. Inspired by my mother’s old homes in Hong Kong, I chose to create a set of garments that would take up minimal storage space and could serve multiple purposes. I used materials that were lightweight, durable, and flexible so that the garments could be worn in different weather conditions and stored with ease. Buttons allow the wearer to easily remove and attach each piece of the garment, ensuring convenient use.
Sofia Korfiatis
Star of the Sea College, Brighton
Bunurong Boonwurrung Country
Metamorphosis of a Butterfly
Cotton and polyester
My design was developed as an educational tool to teach prep students the process of a butterfly's metamorphosis. The butterflies on the garment were drawn by prep students and then printed onto fabric. The garment was designed to engage these students, by reflecting on their own creative work. The transformation of the garment represents the three stages of a butterfly’s metamorphosis. The dress symbolises the caterpillar and the skirt represents the cocoon, which then transforms into a cape as the butterfly emerges.
Ashleigh McGuire
Bacchus Marsh Grammar, Maddingley
Wadawurrung Wathaurong Country
Anti-Anxiety Hoodie
Fleece, faux fur, satin, cord, sequin fabric, iron-on vinyl
My gender-neutral hoodie design features fidget and soothing accessories to assist users in moderating their anxiety and/or other sensory needs discreetly in public. The interchangeable pocket inserts and compression elements can be removed and attached depending on the wearer's preferences. The soft, hand dyed fleece is a calming, neutral colour, offering another soothing feature for the wearer.
Kate Pope
St Michael's Grammar School, St Kilda
Bunurong Boonwurrung Country
Contemporary Medical Uniform
Cotton, bamboo fibre, elastane, nylon zip
My garment is a unisex medical uniform for the Western Health Organisation. Inspired by the recent upgrade of the Footscray Hospital, I aimed to design an updated uniform that was stylish as well as ergonomic. I have used high quality breathable material and included various points of adjustability to address some of the common technical flaws in scrubs. I have incorporated Maisie Nungarrayi Ward’s print fabric 'Desert Oak Dreaming' created with Warlukurlangu, Artists of Yuendumu to visually represent Western Health's commitment to achieving equality in health status between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. My garment aims to align with Western Health Organisation’s values and meet the needs of their diverse staff, while considering the unique tasks and duties undertaken by each individual.
Laura Power
Marist College Bendigo, Maiden Gully
Dja Dja Wurrung Country
Upcycled Onkaparinga Coat
Onkaparinga wool blanket, satin lining, non-woven fusible interfacing, cotton thread, epoxy resin, handmade Tasmanian oak buttons
To address the growing issue of textile waste, I designed my garment to focus on recycling an existing Onkaparinga blanket. A statement feature of the coat are the recycled Tasmanian oak buttons, which I made by hand. The coat is designed to be oversized, while the addition of an optional belt makes it versatile for many body types and individuals. The large deep pockets allow for maximum comfort and additional security for valuables.