Graduate weaves Melbourne Fashion Festival success

Graduate weaves Melbourne Fashion Festival success

RMIT student Indigo Stuart was named National Graduate of the Year at this year’s PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival, alongside other success from the RMIT community.

Stuart took out the top graduate award with her handwoven honours collection, “Inheritance”, a collection of eight fully hand-woven looks completed on a four-shaft table loom.

The Bachelor of Fashion (Design) (Honours) student developed and engineered her own weaving system to create the zero-waste garments.

“Through this work, I explore how heritage and craftsmanship, particularly tartan and weaving, can transform everyday garments into timeless treasures that foster deeper connections with their wearers,” Stuart said.

“It’s about creating pieces that hold not only memory and identity but also a sense of attachment encouraging the wearer to care for, repair and cherish these garments over time.” 

Graduating in at the end of 2024, Stuart said winning the award would help her to navigate her first steps into the fashion industry. 

14 March 2025

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Graduate posing with two models

“As a graduate designer, entering the fashion industry is both exciting and daunting,” she said.

“Winning this award provides me with the support, guidance and resources to navigate this exciting next stage of my career as a designer. 

“I’m being given the chance to further develop my practice with industry backing and I can’t wait to embark on this journey.” 

Stuart said she was grateful for the guidance and support from her RMIT lecturers throughout her degree, especially in her honour’s year.  

“I have been challenged and inspired, which has allowed me to push my creative boundaries and develop a strong and informed foundation to carry into my design practice as I enter the industry.”

RMIT community shines 

Stuart’s work featured in the National Graduate Showcase, where seven of the 12 graduates selected to show their collections were from RMIT. 

Amy Lawrence alumni from 2020, was also a winner at the festival, taking home the National Designer Award.  

Lawrence creates meticulously crafted, one-of-a-kind designs inspired by old-world craftsmanship and mid-century aesthetics, blending history with modern innovation.

After graduating from the Bachelor of Fashion (Design) in 2020 at RMIT, Lawrence started creating her signature pieces during lockdown. Using mostly undyed silks, she sews and hand-finishes every piece in her Melbourne studio. She also teaches at RMIT. 

RMIT students and staff also took part and led many events as part of PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival including pattern making classes, an independent runway show, circular fashion panel discussion, podcast recordings and a group exhibition featuring Australia’s top artists and designers blending art and fashion.

 

Story: Nick Adams  

14 March 2025

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