Students embrace the dark side in Star Wars collaboration with Disney

RMIT vocational education students have embarked on an epic fashion journey with Disney, navigating real-world design challenges with Jedi-like focus.

Shereen D’Costa grew up loving Disney films but had never seen a Star Wars movie until this year, when her Associate Degree in Fashion Design and Technology cohort was tasked with coming up with designs inspired by the blockbuster franchise.

As she delved into the world of the films, she was struck by the fall of Darth Vader, specifically what his demise says about how corrosive greed and power can be.

D'Costa extrapolated this concept to her final garment, which explores the dark side of fashion, and said she wanted her design to highlight the importance of sustainability.

"The rise in waste is an increasing battle in today's world. My goal was to inspire those to make the change to be more sustainable and mindful of our impact on our environment,” she said.

“The exterior of my garment, like Vader's suit, displays hard and cold darkness. Beneath the layers lies Anakin and the light that remains within, curated from recycled and repurposed items.

“The message is that we may have been drawn to the dark side, but we need to let the goodness shine in the end.”

Art, Design and Culture

31 July 2024

Shereen next to model who is wearing a short black flare skirt, crop top and boots.

Shereen D’Costa (right) and her final garment. Photos: Jessica Hindmarch

Fellow student Austin Wheeler’s final product was also influenced by the dark side.

Inspired by Darth Maul, Wheeler said his design aimed to capture the mystery of the dark side and how it is depicted in the Phantom Menace almost as a shadow.

“I wanted to represent that idea by using a sheer fabric to cast a literal shadow over the model and rest of the garment, and by putting markings of Darth Maul’s face onto the chiffon, it created areas of darkness,” he said.

Having the chance to work with Disney was a dream come true for Wheeler, who has been a devout Star Wars fan since he was a kid.

“My sister still says to this day that when I was young, I would put Star Wars on the TV and not allow anyone to change it, even when I wasn’t watching it.

“This project was a great experience. It’s genuinely been such a privilege to take part in it.”

Austin next to a model who is wearing a long red dress and black sheer veil

Austin Wheeler (left) and his final garment. Photos: Kathryn Baker

Industry experience unlocking future pathways

Industry projects like this collaboration with Disney are a core component of the Associate Degree in Fashion Design and Technology.

“We can give students all the knowledge they need, but ultimately it’s having the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice that benefits them most,” said Betty Kanzurovski, Acting Program Manager, Fashion & Textiles in RMIT’s College of Vocational Education.

“Students gain so much from working with partners, especially those of Disney’s stature. They learn to adapt and problem solve when things don’t work out the way they planned, and that’s a very valuable skill to have in the industry.”

“This has also been a great opportunity for students in our Creative Industries programs to work together, with our Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging students capturing the final designs in all their glory.”

D’Costa and Wheeler agree the project has helped them become more job ready.

“We got to see what it’s like working in the industry, as we had to do a design proposal and work with Disney as if they were our clients,” Wheeler said.

“Not only have I improved my skills in production,” D’Costa said, “I've also been encouraged to consider ethical, environmental, and social factors in the industry.”

“I think this is especially fundamental, as developing our understanding of these factors will help us to make a change and create a more positive footprint in the fashion industry in the future.”

Mannequins wearing student-made garments.

Student-made garments on display at Disney’s head office in Melbourne.

Pursuing a lifelong dream through vocational education

The Disney collaboration has been a highlight of D’Costa’s time at RMIT, yet her path here wasn’t straightforward.

Her creative talents and passion were clear from a young age.

“I began my love of sewing in primary school, teaching myself how to make pencil cases for my friends from scrap material and zips from rice bags,” she said.

“When my great aunty gifted me her old sewing machine at age 10, I went from making pencil cases to making clothes.”

The competitive nature of the fashion industry, however, led her to choose a different higher education pathway right out of high school.

“I studied engineering for three years, subconsciously daydreaming about making clothes for a living.

“I came to realise that I would never know if I would be successful in the fashion industry if I didn’t give it a go.

“During COVID-19, I began a Certificate III at RMIT, and I was then encouraged to join the Associate Degree. I have never looked back since.”

The Associate Degree in Fashion Design and Technology is being replaced by the Associate Degree in Fashion in 2025. Students will continue to work with Disney as part of the program.

Find out more about the program.

Story: Keely Tzoukos

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