Alyce Lambert
Alyce Lambert is a 20-year-old design student who has just completed her Advanced diploma in fashion design and technology at Kangan Institute. She has grown up, studied and worked in Melbourne her whole life. High school is where Alyce found her love for Fashion, she was inspired and supported by an amazing teacher who encouraged her to peruse fashion as a career. She hopes one day to open her own bridal boutique where she can design and produce all custom made gowns.
When deciding where to study fashion, Alyce went for interviews at a few different schools but knew Kangan was the one for her the second she walked in.
"Kangan was the only school that felt so warm and welcoming and coming straight out of high school that was exactly what I was looking for" Alyce explains.
As she walked in the fashion HQ for Kangan, she noticed the hallways were filled with students work on the walls, and mannequins wearing students creations, it showed how proud they were of their students, and from that moment she knew she wanted to be part of it all.
Congratulations, you've graduated! Tell us your experience studying fashion design at Kangan? What were your fashion moments?
The last 3 years at Kangan have honestly been some of the hardest years of my life, but I wouldn’t change it for the world! I started in 2014 straight out of year 12 and I was so nervous about starting a new course, but everyone there from the staff to students made me feel so welcome. I have learnt more than I could have ever imagined and have met lifelong friends along the way. Choosing to do this course was honestly the best decision I had ever made.
My favourite moment would defiantly be seeing my gowns showcased at the end of year runway. To see all my hard work, tears and late nights finally pay off was amazing. Also seeing my classmate's designs come down the runway and to see all of their creations come to life surrounded by all of the people we love was something I’ll never forget.
I’m not going to lie there were some nights when I literally didn’t sleep and worked on assignments all night to get them done on time. But every assignment big or small I can honestly say I learnt something from, and although it didn’t feel like it at the time they were defiantly worth completing.
For your final collection, what was your inspiration behind it, and how long did it take you to complete?
My final collection is called ‘Airlie’ which is the Greek word for whimsical. I really wanted to create a collection that conveys confidence and elegance all in the one design. I wanted the gowns to be really flattering on multiple body shapes so they all have slightly different silhouettes and flowing hems. The colour palette is comprised of nude and blush tones that are executed in lace, tulle and embellished fabrics. We were only given two months to actually sew all four looks, it was really full on time trying to get everything completed.
Most difficult thing you've had to learn since studying fashion design?
The most difficult thing for myself would defiantly be being in my own head too much. I found it so hard to stick to the same design and I was constantly second guessing myself, even completing a gown and then changing the neck only a couple of days before it was due!
..And the best thing studying fashion design?
The best thing about studying fashion design for me is being able to express myself in such a creative environment. Being surrounded by so many different types of designers and everyone being so eager to help you or even just listen to some of the crazy ideas really aided me in getting the most out of this experience.
You've only just started your fashion journey, what's next for you?
I really hope I’m able to get a job in the bridal side of fashion. Bridal is what I’ve always wanted to do and I’m so passionate about it! I would really love to work in a custom made bridal boutique. I'd like to be in production and be making the gowns, but I also really enjoy designing. I’m so excited to learn as much as there is to know about this industry and I’m looking forward to what the future has to offer!
Advice to anyone wanting to study your course?
Be prepared for a lot of hard work! Sometimes it’s going to be really stressful and you’ll want to give up, but hold on because you’re about to endeavour on the most rewarding experience of your life.
Photo credit: PNP MEDIA