TAFE NSW Ultimo’s Fashion Design Studio is continuing to shape the future of Australian fashion through its renowned Bachelor of Fashion Design, with up-and-coming designers recently showcasing their unique collections at the 2023 Graduate Runway Show.

27-year-old Erskineville local, Samara Darling, and 21-year-old Marrickville local, Sara Marta, are two of the standout graduates whose collections featured on the end of year runway, in a celebration of creative flair and talent.

Ms Darling said: “I realised I wanted to study fashion after I started making my own clothes. I’ve gone from having no patternmaking skills to having the confidence to make my first collection. There was a lot of learning to do, but the course has really given me a critical eye when it comes to design and helped me back myself as a designer.”

“The graduate runway parade was an incredibly important moment after working tirelessly for a year on our collections. It was nerve-wracking, but so rewarding and also gave us the chance to share our work with industry.

“My collection is inspired by non-verbal communication and the nuanced ways we communicate emotions and ideas with other people. I also wrote and developed a soundscape which informed my designs. Being a musician, I want to connect my passion for fashion and sustainability with music, and have my own practice.”

Ms Marta said: “Ever since I was young I’ve loved fashion. After studying textiles in high school, I decided to enrol at TAFE NSW to improve my technical skills, which is essential to becoming a great designer.”

“The course provided a real sense of community and a great support system, and I was able to gain hands-on skills in pattern making, sewing, and designing. Having finished the degree, I really feel like I can go out and make a name for myself as a designer. There’s nothing that I haven’t been taught.

“Seeing my collection on stage, which was inspired by love and the stories that come with deep human experience, was an incredibly proud moment. I’ve also been lucky to intern at a number of Australianbrands including SIR the Label and Hansen & Gretel, and am looking forward to becoming a creative director of my own brand one day."

TAFE NSW Team Leader of Fashion and Interior Design Janna Madorski said the end of year runway show was a culmination of all the graduates’ hard work and dedication.

“The 2023 Graduate Runway Show truly highlighted the world-class training the Fashion Design Studio provides, helping students like Samara and Sara transform their designer visions from initial concepts through to stage-ready collections,” Ms Madorski said.

“The Bachelor of Fashion Design delivers work-ready graduates by fostering innovation, craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of ethical and socially responsible design practices. The Fashion Design Studio’s hands-on approach to learning, coupled with an internship program, ensures that graduates are well-prepared to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the Fashion Industry,” Ms Madorski said.

Media contact: Emma Hughes, Communications Specialist, 0409 618 291, emma.hughes51@tafensw.edu.au