Thursday, June 2, 2011
Student dresses for success at fashion fair
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| Model Yana Gouvoussis wears a creation by fashion designer Sophia Vardos. Photo: JIMMY WALSH |
She received news yesterday she was one of 12 finalists in the Debut contest at Melbourne trade fair Fashion Exposed. The entire list of 12 finalists will be announced next week.
Debut is a launching platform for new and independent fashion labels. The winner receives mentoring, exposure and networking opportunities in the fashion industry.
Vardos of Fadden, a 2010 fashion graduate of the CIT, will be showing her graduation collection at Fashion Exposed in August.
She was chuffed with the opportunity to make a splash in a crowded industry full of keen ingenues.
''There are so many labels and so many aspiring designers, it's difficult to stand out and make a name for yourself,'' she said.
''I would just love the opportunity to be in the industry environment, to meet and network with people and hopefully get some exposure from my label in a saturated industry.
''The fashion industry is different from the controlled environment of studying fashion design and the transition between the two is difficult if you're trying to start a business.''
Her collection is called Ora, the Greek word for time. This connects to her desire to slow down the frenetic cycles of fashion and bring back an emphasis on technique and craftsmanship.
''My collection is about kind of exploring the idea of how things grow, evolve and change without human intervention. I explore this in my garments with the notion that two of the same never exist given the handcraftsmanship that has gone into them.''
The collection includes a red, one-shouldered gown inspired by the French house of Lanvin.
''[Lanvin] is what I aspire to be like many years down the track.''
Post-CIT, Vardos has been working as a visual merchandiser and making bridesmaids dresses.
She's grateful to be part of the industry she adores so much.
''I've always wanted to have a job that's also a passion and do something every day that I truly love. I'm so grateful I found something I love doing, I crave it. I wake up every morning and want to sew and make things.''
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