Designing Your Own Style: NFC at Crocs' Craft Your Style Activation
WORDS BY NFC STUDENT RIHANA BUKOVAC
Creativity, individuality, and self-expression were at the centre of Crocs' Craft Your Style event, which NFC and I had the opportunity to attend, following our work on a LVL UP x NFC social collaboration.
As fashion students, the event provided more than just a fun night out; it gave us the chance to step outside the classroom and engage creatively in a hands-on environment. Upon arrival, guests were gifted a complimentary pair of Crocs and were greeted by a display showcasing the six designs that make up the new collection. Throughout the venue, the slogan "Do Your Thing" was printed across the floor, on the walls and even on shirts, perfectly reflecting the atmosphere of the night and encouraging guests to express themselves without limitations.
The event featured several activations designed around self-expression, including a free tattoo salon and tooth gem station. With a variety of styles available, there was something to suit every aesthetic. The tattoo salon was a crowd favourite, and after spending far too long debating our options, my friend and I almost left with matching tattoos ourselves! One of the highlights of the night was Rhi's Bling Bar, where guests could customise their Crocs using over 100 embellishments — from pearls to rhinestones and chains to jibbitz, each Croc was its own. Adding to the experience was the Craft Your Style station, offering coloured markers, stencils, and accessories that encouraged complete creative freedom and experimentation with your design.
One of the most inspiring parts of the evening was seeing everyone's finished designs; no two pairs looked alike, with each creation a reflection of the personality and style of its creator. It was a great reminder of how fashion and design can be used as tools for self-expression. As creatives, it was exciting to see how differently people approached the same challenge and transformed a simple pair of Crocs into something uniquely their own. It also reflected how design works in real-life within the fashion industry, where the same brief can lead to completely different outcomes depending on interpretation, audience, and personal style. Seeing this in an interactive setting made it easier to understand how experimentation and individuality play a key role in creative work beyond the classroom. Experiences like this highlight how fashion is not just about the final product but the process of developing ideas, testing concepts, and expressing identity through design.
Beyond the customisation activities, the event also provided valuable networking opportunities. It was exciting to connect with creatives from across the industry, including content creators, influencers, and models. I even had the chance to reconnect with a model that I had previously worked with during Australian Fashion Week, highlighting how events like this can bring together a diverse creative community.
Safe to say, my Crocs left the event with a lot more personality than they arrived with, and some new bling on my teeth for myself. After a night of creativity, customisation, and connecting with fellow creatives, there was only one thing left to do... our thing.