Swan TAFE (now rebranded as Polytechnic West)'s WAIFT (WA Institue of Fashion and Textile (mouthful!) is known for graduates with high production and design standards. That's the reason why a lot of talented people decide to go there to study fashion. I've seen so many talented graduates from all colleges (Curtin uni included) but I always remember my first encounters with Swan TAFE graduates earlier this year. It had the biggest class of 25 students. Therefore, their 2009 graduation parade was rather substantial.
Now, my ranting. The lighting for the show was utterly rubbish. It wasn't any better last year because it was way too dark and the choreography was so bad that it was too damn difficult to capture the garments. This year was even worse. I didn't think it was possible but they not only managed to stuff up the lighting but also strategically mis placed a smoke machine, lighting box and other props so that no matter where I shoot there was always something getting in the way. Central TAFE's 16 Acts was just as hard to shoot but at least they did't have any rubbish sitting on the stage obscuring shoes or legs for that matter. Now you know why most shots are 'sans shoes'. They were hidden behind a light box which was shining through models' undies. I kid you not it was unreal.
I got that off my chest. It's tragic because at the end of their study, the graduates will want to have some decent quality photos to capture that precious moment. My blood and sweat went into making these images. When conditions are bad all I can do is trying to be 'creative'.
I finally got to talk to August Pinto. When I first saw his gown during PFF09 I instantly fell in love with the dress. I hope the gown was properly dressed this time as he pointed out that during the festival it wasn't done properly and some things were falling off. ouch...
Kate and Ann's gowns were new too me. Kate's model did such a great job posing. I have quite a few shots of her doing different poses. Sexy!
My love for Andrea Wolf is well known. Her range and the gown (well tailored jacket and a wool dress) were nothing but spectacular. Guess what? She won the best student of the year by X-Press as well. Congrats and big hugs from me.
I didn't think it was going to be possible but Zoe's aluminium tin and wax dress is worn by a model and she was walking although bare foot. I was so great to see it completed since I first saw in in Zoe's kitchen.
Two very different styles aren't they? I didn't match them up for any particular reason. I thought it was really good to have a dark skinned model for that very interesting african pattern dress. I was so intrigued to see Jeremy's range. I really like his garments with muted palettes. Then he pop'd with red. very interesting.
This is it folks! It was the very last graduation show for this year. I did skip Sixteen Acts by Central TAFE but I'll get around to that shortly. Officially though I shouldn't be shooting any more parade hopefully. To be perfectly honest, I wouldn't mind having a little break. Just a little one so that I can catch up on my sleep.
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