A.U.T. 2023 Graduate Fashion Show with Ryan Patrick

By Ryan Patrick

On Saturday 4th of November, Auckland University of Technology, held its annual fashion show. Showcasing the graduating class, 29 designers each presented 3 outfits on the runway for a packed out audience. And I was there to photograph it.

One of my favourite things is seeing what up and coming designers are creating. I find it so inspiring seeing all the hunger and drive that students pour into their work. University is such a simulating time and place. You’re surrounded by people like you, who are dedicating their lives to what they love.

The meta themes this year seemed to be experimenting with form and fit, Monochromatism was also big. I loved seeing lots of wool and natural fibres used. The designers also pulled from a wide variety of references. Ranging from traditional crafts, to more futurism inspired looks.

A personal favourite was seeing my friend and model, Sophie Negus’ designs. I had worked with Sophie at the start of the year and it was fantastic to see what she had done. I asked her what inspired her;

” I created my collection as a tribute to my late grandma, drawing inspiration from her style and life. I used natural fibers like merino wool and linen jersey, and brought her artwork to life through screen printing. It was a challenge, but I’m proud of how it turned out and I know she would be too!”

Absolutely loved Sophie’s use of colour, the outfits definitely stood out! My friend, stylist Sabrina Gardner also gave me her views on the event;

“From the avant-garde to utiltarian and romantic designs, the AUT fashion event was everything you’d hope to see in a designers’ showcase.

References noted: Vivienne Westwood, Issey Miyake, Alexander McQueen, Noir Kei Ninomiya, Acne Studios, Cecilie Bahnsen.

Graduates to watch: Ella,. Cook, Taylor Duffus, Salma Ibrahim-Jerrywo, Sophie Negus, Katijana Rakich, Selena Teng, and Solomon Savilla”.

Such a wonderful display of creativity and passion from all. I can’t wait to see what all these young designers do in the future!

Designer Image Credits:
Haonan Harry Chen
Eva Zhang
Luke Bishop
Luke Stonehouse
Esha Dahya
Kayla Joyce
Shoran Zhang
Paige K Stewart
Ella Cook
Nina Douglas
Charlotte Maguire
Sophie Negus
Xixi Amethyst Lin
Salma Ibrahim-Jerrywo.
Quin Jane Chen
Nika Martinez Azaro
Sarah James
Lillie Bullock
Xiaoying Am Huang
Liubov Eliseeva
Phoebe Lush
Selena teng
Nikki Cupples
Danyela Pezic
Solomon Savila
Taylor Duddus
Jund Su
Tia Mariana Tahau
Katijana Rakich