Visual arts and communications teacher Allison O’Brien said St Joseph’s College prided itself on celebrating student successes, while at the same time committing to walk in solidarity with those who were suffering.
“Our students are extremely caring and this fashion parade provides them the opportunity to reach out and embrace people in need while celebrating their creativity,” Ms O’Brien said.
“In 2019, with the help of Moama Bowling Club, we were proud to support Nicole Dilubenzi, a Congolese refugee, and her children by hosting a very successful fashion parade to showcase the talents of Molato, the fashion brand.
“Nicole continues to live in Echuca with the Brigidine Sisters, supporting her three children with the help of the Rural Australians for Refugees, the local community and through the success of her business, which was launched at the 2019 fashion parade.
“We are delighted to once again partner with the Moama Bowling Club, to host another fashion parade in support of Nicole, with proceeds also going towards supporting the East Timor Leste fund, the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project and Echuca Regional Health Cancer and Wellness Centre.
“As part of the process we have also been lucky enough to engage a past student, Ashton Langdon, to run a virtual class with some of our fashion students to provide invaluable insight into the industry and her design process.
“Ashton has a passion for women in the arts, minimal design, fabrics and fibres, new fibre technologies and sustainability in fashion and her amazing career in fashion, costume design and production has seen her work across both the film and arts industry.
“She will be an incredible mentor for our students and she will also be designing three pieces, inspired by the Ballet Russes, for our students to model.”
St Joseph’s College fashion and textiles teacher and show organiser Rachael Williams and show organiser said Destination Fashion was an event not to be missed, with a full program of magnificent local and international culture, talent and entertainment for everyone.
“Attendees will have the opportunity to witness some amazing student fashion creations, including stunning Molato designs highlighting Congolese design and traditional African dress, East Timorese fabrics, and the Indigenous Breast Cancer Shawl designed by Echuca’s Alkina Johnson-Edwards to promote cancer awareness in our twin towns and the building of the new cancer centre,” Ms Williams said.
“We will also be featuring some millinery designs inspired and worn by some of our own international teachers from Italy, England and Canada before we come back to where it all began with a piece by Indigenous students.
“Not to mention a special guest appearance from the incredibly talented singer/songwriter Madi Colville Walker as well as our models looking spectacular with their hair done by one of our sponsors Blush Hair Room.
“It really is going to be an amazing night.
“We just can’t wait!”
Two sessions are available from 5pm to 6.30pm or 7.30pm to 9pm. Cost is $25 per person for the seated show at Moama Bowling Club or $10 for the live zoom link, with donations also welcome.
Tickets can be purchased at trybooking.com/BUGXU
