From classroom to runway: NFC STUDENTS GAIN REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE ACROSS AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK

WORDS BY NFC STUDENT KATE ROSSACK

If you asked me this time last year what I’d be doing a year from now, I would not be able to tell you. I was studying for the year 12 exam, absolutely miserable having and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Before I enrolled in National Fashion College, I would have never of expected to be working alongside the best in the industry… One week I was on campus at fashion school, and the next I was working closely with event directors, head designers and stylists; here is my experience working at Australian Fashion Week.

I worked both front of house and back of house on one scheduled runway and four off schedule shows. They were all absolutely spectacularly jaw-dropping and eye opening: FNFD, Carla Zampatti, Karla Spetic, Lidee and Albus Lumen. From getting to see the garments back stage to assisting across event logistics, organisation and even “playing model” for the creative director so she could see what the model choreography looked on the runway! That last one is a whole other story…

I just want to take a quick moment and acknowledge how amazing First Nations Fashion andDesign (FNFD) was. A combination of dance, storytelling and protest all in one. Not to mention the literal CHILLS I got the whole show… breathtaking! Throughout all six collections from different designers, each one told a story and you could see and feel that through the performance. Every emotion translated across to the audience to portray their message: always was, always will be aboriginal land.

My favourite part was seeing all of the people I worked closely with be so impressed and proud of everyone while watching the show, the smile on their faces made all the effort worth it. Not only did I get to work closely with professionals and gain hands on experience, but I was invited to some of the runway afterparties! The opportunity to mingle with everyone involved in the event and meet new people at an AFTER PARTY was not on my bingo cards for this year. I networked with attendees, show organisers and even top models that have modelled for Gucci and at Paris F/W! (One even followed me back on instagram!)

Long story short this week was unlike any other, truely one of the best experiences of my life. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of not only the industry but of the career path I want to pursue in fashion and this is all thanks to National Fashion College!