In a powerful demonstration of creativity, individualism and inclusivity, two TAFE NSW Fashion Technology graduates are leading the way in gender-neutral fashion. Their innovative designs featuring flowing shorts, timeless silhouettes, and sustainable fabrics, were in the spotlight at the Fashion Technology Graduate Exhibition held last month.
Attended by industry professionals and guests, the exhibition celebrated the creativity, diversity, and technical skills of students graduating from the TAFE NSW Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising, and the Certificate III in Millinery. It also provided an invaluable opportunity for industry guests to connect with the next generation of fashion talent.
For Inner West resident Ratchanon Chongpermsup, graduating with the Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising (Product Development) marked the fulfilment of a long-held dream.
“The graduate exhibition was so exciting and overwhelming,” said Chongpermsup. “I showcased five garments and three looks. One design was inspired by Dion Lee and the other designs were influenced by the Romance Was Born label. I wanted the garments to have a cutout and gender-neutral feel so there were no barriers for the wearer.”
Chongpermsup’s journey to this point has been unique. “I studied a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion in Thailand, but my parents didn’t think it would land me a real job,” he said. “So, I moved to Australia and studied something more practical.
“When the fee-free TAFE NSW Certificate III in Apparel Textiles and Fashion became available, my partner encouraged me to enrol. After I completed Certificate III, I knew I was meant to be in fashion design. I went on to study a Certificate IV and then a Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising.”
“Although I had already studied fashion design in Thailand, the TAFE courses I completed were more hands-on with a focus on design drawing, pattern making and sewing skills,” said Chongpermsup.
Balancing his studies with work in aged care, Chongpermsup is also training for the upcoming Gay Games, where he has been selected for the Australian Volleyball team. “With my design experience, I was asked to design and create our Gay Games volleyball singlet. It’s been a great experience,” he said.
Also, seizing this opportunity to work in the thriving fashion industry is southwest Sydney’s Samuel Muller, who enrolled in the Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising (Fashion Business) at TAFE NSW Ultimo. Muller was excited to showcase his gender-fluid fashion label ‘Legacy’ at the graduate exhibition.
“The whole idea behind the brand is to create a fashion-forward, ethical, and sustainable Australian brand,” he said. “It’s largely made for men, though it is pushing towards the ever-changing gender fluidity that exists within fashion and has been made to be accessible for all.”
“I’ve been working in retail and fashion retail for 4-5 years now, and I’d like to work as a buyer in high-end luxury fashion. With my degree and my newfound knowledge, I can now pursue this career path,” said Muller.
According to Statista, with the Australian apparel market projected to hit $20.2 billion in 2024 with an annual growth of over 2 per cent, TAFE NSW is meeting the skills needs of the future in the growing fashion industry.
TAFE NSW Fashion Technology Head Teacher Nicola Paton said the fashion technology courses provide students with the knowledge and practical skills they need to get their foot in the door.
“TAFE NSW has a long history of delivering a pipeline of highly skilled and talented graduates to the fashion industry,” she said.
“Through our fashion design, costume and millinery courses, students have access to teachers with significant experience and connections in the industry that enhance their learning and ready them for the workforce,” said Paton.
Image: Ratchanon Chongpermsup – courtesy of TAFE NSW