So far this year in the Fashion Academy the year 13 students have been busy making our own Kimonos, adapted to each students design. We have some very colourful and well-made Kimonos being worn around the classroom now and the students are very proud of their work.

This term in the Fashion Academy the Year 13 students have begun attending NZ Fashion Tech each Friday, where they gain the experience of studying Fashion in a Tertiary environment. During their 6 day program they learn how to make different types of pockets, collars and cuffs and then they will combine all those skills to complete a tailored shirt, sewn entirely on Industrial sewing machines.

The students receive 15 credits for their time at NZ Fashion Tech and the experience of seeing what the tertiary students are creating there. We were shown the top secret designs for this Year’s Resene colour challenge, which will be showcased at NZ Fashion Week and throughout the media later this year in September. There are some very cool things happening there.

The Year 12 students have made a start on their Active wear projects, which means the garments need to be made from stretchy fabric so that you can be active while wearing it. This allows the students to become confident on the industrial overlocker as well as the industrial sewing machine while completing this project. The students have chosen to each create a velvet dress made from stretch velvet, one in silver and one in a dark teal. The students should be wearing these dresses at the Fashion show at the end of the year so watch this space!

Ariane Bourneville MHS Fashion Tutor.