Unveiling the Future: NSW’s Emerging Designers Take the Stage

Designer: Arman Martirosian (NEBULAS) / Photo Credit: Julia Liang

Outstanding fashion and textile design students from Sydney’s leading tertiary institutions are set to unveil their innovative creations on Saturday, 1 June, at the highly anticipated annual Future Fashion exhibition at Powerhouse Castle Hill. This event will showcase the cutting-edge designs and visionary concepts developed by these talented students, reflecting the latest trends and forward-thinking approaches in the fashion industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the creativity and craftsmanship these emerging designers bring to the table and celebrate the new wave of talent poised to shape the future of fashion. The Future Fashion exhibition promises to be an inspiring and enlightening experience for all who attend.

Future Fashion provides a glimpse into the concepts, processes, and sustainable techniques developed by the next generation of designers emerging from four Sydney-based fashion design schools–Whitehouse Institute of Design; University of Technology Sydney; Fashion Design Studio: TAFE NSW Ultimo Campus; and Torrens University Australia: Billy Blue College of Design.

The exhibition spotlights high-level technical skills and concepts inspired by form, sound, history, haptics, and experiences. It includes selected works from collections developed by recent graduates Arman Martirosian (Whitehouse Institute of Design), Lina Yu (University of Technology Sydney), Samara Darling (Fashion Design Studio: TAFE NSW Ultimo Campus), and Will Maddock (Torrens University Australia: Billy Blue College of Design).

Designer: Samara Darling / Photo Credit: Timilehin Akindoyeni

As part of the launch, Powerhouse will present a curated talks program inspired by the Future Fashion exhibition. Four featured designers will share stories behind their innovative designs through artist talks with Powerhouse fashion curator Glynis Jones. Issues surrounding sustainability in fashion will be explored in a design-focused presentation led by TAFE NSW Head of Fashion Design Studio Laura Washington. Through curator-led tours, audiences will also see rare glimpses of unique fashion pieces on display at Powerhouse Castle Hill.

Held at Powerhouse Ultimo annually since 1993, the Future Fashion exhibition reflects the Australian fashion industry’s adaptability and responsiveness to key global trends and the tertiary education sector’s role in cultivating designers’ creativity, entrepreneurship, and critical thinking skills. This exhibition demonstrates Powerhouse’s commitment to supporting designers at pivotal moments in their careers. Notable alumni previously exhibited in Future Fashion include Dion Lee, Toni Maticevski, Anna Plunkett, and Luke Sales from Romance Was Born, Claire Tregoning from P.E Nation, and Lyna Ty from Song for the Mute.

‘For more than thirty years, Future Fashion has connected audiences with the concepts and techniques of emerging designers who have continued to establish significant careers in fashion. Powerhouse is proud of its commitment to support the next generation of designers by providing platforms that spotlight the high calibre of design talent fostered by Australian tertiary institutions,’ said Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah.

Designer: Will Maddock / Photo Credit: Keoni Davis

‘Research and concept development are key parts of these designers’ creative practices. From work inspired by marine architecture to pieces that include wearable water, beanbags, and music to engage with the exciting field of sensory design, Future Fashion presents the depth of talent nurtured in Sydney’s tertiary fashion schools,’ said Future Fashion curator Glynis Jones.

Future Fashion will be presented at Powerhouse Castle Hill from 1 June 2024. The Exhibition Is open every weekend from 10 am to 4 pm. For more information about the exhibition, visit their website.

This article was sourced from a press release sent by Powerhouse Media.