Whether it is shows like Project Runway, the current crafting craze or the buzz of Fashfest, Canberra's ranks of would-be fashion designers are bursting at the seams.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Canberra Institute of Technology has had unprecedented demand for its suite of fashion courses this year, senior lecturer Steve Wright said.
Mr Wright said the usual entry intake of about 20 had blown out to 30, with the institute having to cap places because of the intensive nature of the course.
And while in previous years five or more of the intake had dropped out within the first few weeks, this year's retention rate was 100 per cent.
"I think this is the result of a few things - including media coverage of fashion through shows like Project Runway, the elevation of crafting among young people as a valuable pursuit, and, of course, the energy and publicity around Fashfest," Mr Wright said.
CIT director Adrian Marron said that while he was "clearly not a follower of fashion'', he was excited by the reputation and popularity of the institute's courses - which include both a diploma and a certificate IV in applied fashion design technology, and a certificate III in clothing production.
"It's hard to put it down to just one factor but I think the entire fashion industry in Canberra is on the upward trajectory and when there is industry confidence, we get demand for training."
Mr Marron said he would be discussing with the ACT government the potential for the fashion and design faculty to expand student numbers next year, in line with the expected continued popularity of courses.
"If this pattern of demand continues, and we expect that it will, then we will certainly want to respond to that demand."
Meanwhile, he had tickets to Fashfest this year - after being seriously ill last year and missing it.
"It is a fantastic opportunity for our students to connect with something that is happening in an international direction, and our hair and photography students as well as our design students are all keen to participate," he said. "Fashfest has provided the sense that there are real industry opportunities out there and fashion design is not just esoteric."
For new diploma students Sarah Thomson and Harrison Daw, Fashfest has been the best thing for Canberra that they can remember.
Sarah, who graduated from St Clare's last year, said she had been gobsmacked by the event last year and it confirmed her long-held ambition to work in the industry.
Harrison, who graduated from Hawker College, helped backstage with Fashfest last year and will be behind the scenes again over the four-night event which begins on April 30. "It has an amazing energy, I am so excited," he said.
