Design student Kirra James. |
Camera IconDesign student Kirra James. | Credit: Supplied/Jon |Hewson d442244

Perth Fashion Festival: Mandurah student driven to design

Vanessa SchmittMandurah Coastal Times

Ms James and other Polytechnic West fashion students are "upcycling" cloth and vinyl banners into art wear and gowns. Support from local companies and councils helps to prevent textile waste.

Student designs and their unique collection of banners and signage which have been transformed into high-end fashion will be showcased at the festival on September 18.

Ms James said she was excited about the SIGNature showcase.

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"I�m currently in my third year of study, completing an Advanced Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Technology at Polytechnic West," she said.

"Fashion is such an amazing industry to be involved in " it's beautiful and exciting but it's also meeting a basic need of protecting our bodies.

"My favourite part of designing is that it activates my brain in the areas of creativity, analytical thinking and practical skills all at once."

Ms James said the focus of the runway event would be on sustainability.

"My design is inspired by a war machine from Mad Max Fury Road," she said.

"I chose to use a car as my inspiration because the fashion industry is second only to the automotive industry in environmental impact and I feel like that surprises most people."