Showing off the 'three-piece in a pod'

26 May '09

2 min read

Fashion buffs have a rare opportunity to see the future face of fashion – right here in Wanganui.

Third year students at Whanganui UCOL's School of Fashion are holding an exhibition of their latest work this week. The show, titled 3 piece in a pod, features cutting edge design by the Bachelor of Fashion students. It is on at the Federation gallery until 29-05-2009, Friday.

Acting Head of the School of Fashion Cassandra Knight says the show is an important part of the students' work towards their degree. “They are required to design and make a three-piece collection. As well, the students must provide photographs of their work and a statement on the thinking and inspiration behind their creations.”

As an example, she cites third year student Ranier Filleul, whose work is pictured. She wrote: “This collection targets the high fashion area of Harajuku which is the present Japanese fashion fad…a creative type of dress which exists to let the vast majority of the Japanese community express themselves and to be seen as an individual. The dress in the collection could be worn as an overdress with a tight fitting garment underneath. The branding would be a new age design with a hint of tradition.”

Each of Rainer's garments is made from one piece of fabric and the belts were screen printed by her.

This week's exhibition is a precursor to the end of year fashion show in November which will feature the final collections by the third year students.

Whanganui UCOL's Bachelor of Fashion is a three year degree which explores the fashion design process from concept to garment completion. Graduates may also opt for a further year's research-oriented study towards the specialised Bachelor of Fashion (Honours) degree.

Whanganui UCOL School of Fashion