22 November 2008
AUT rookies stun industry top dogs
28 September 2007
By Lauradanna Radesic
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| DESIGNER: Jann Wong |
Air New Zealand Fashion Week was the culmination of a year’s hard work for AUT fashion and design students and launched their work to international acclaim.
Australian fashion bible Karen labelled the ROOKIE show as one of the highlights of this year’s fashion week, and also proclaimed the student designs to be the best the writer had ever seen.
Mandy Smith, head of fashion and design at AUT, said this year’s show was the best the school had ever put on.
“We’ve had some great feedback. People really enjoyed the show and I’ve had some of the country’s top designers contact me to offer students work at the end of the year.”
ROOKIE, now in its fifth year, provides students with industry contact and interest as well as inspiration for future careers.
This year’s garments were well made, consisted of good designs and had plenty of interesting cuts, said Smith.
Coup for AUT students
Annabel McAleer, communications manager for the Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies said the show went off without a hitch.
McAleer said the ROOKIE show is a coup for AUT because it generates realistic industry experience for the students.
For student Rebecca Spratt, being a part of ROOKIE was an amazing experience.
“It went really well. It’s great to be able to get your name out there and get recognised. It offered an opportunity that other design schools didn’t get,” she said.
Grace Min, another student who débuted her designs, felt honoured they were chosen to appear at fashion week.
Although the lead-up was hectic, Min said seeing her designs strutted down the catwalk made the whole process worthwhile.
“Having people see your work for the first time was an amazing experience. My friends and family were so proud of me.”
One guest who was particularly impressed was Virginia Brown, fashion and beauty editor for Crème magazine.
As an ex-AUT fashion and design student, Brown’s own designs featured in the ROOKIE show three years ago.
“ROOKIE has come a long way since I participated.
“The designs were more cutting edge, more modern, and the workmanship looked impeccable.”
