A 19-year-old TAFE Queensland fashion student recently launched her label and first collection as part of a sold-out fashion show at The Loft in West End. Alyssia McDonald, who is studying a Diploma in Fashion and Visual Merchandising said she was thrilled to finally see her collection released to the public.
“I have been working around the clock on the first collection for Alyssia the Label,” she said. “It has been a genuine labour of love for me and I was excited and proud when I saw it on the runway for the first-time last weekend. I have always wanted to work in fashion and have been designing and sewing my own clothes from as young as I can remember. My training at TAFE Queensland has allowed me to develop and grow my existing design and sewing skills whilst also learning about the business side of the industry.” Alyssia is one of Queensland’s brightest young fashion stars, last year winning an International Design Award in Los Angeles and this year working towards showcasing several collections throughout Australia.
TAFE Queensland Fashion teacher, Janelle Rayner said it was always obvious Alyssia had the talent to go far. “When Alyssia first came to train and study with TAFE Queensland it was clear she had a natural flair for fashion,” Janelle said. “We are all very proud to have been part of Alyssia’s journey and seeing her succeed and follow her dreams is exciting for us all.” Alyssia was one of eight local designers invited to take part in the fashion show, which launched a new modelling agency in Brisbane. Twenty students from TAFE Queensland’s TAFE at Schools Certificate III in Beauty Services also glammed up the models before they hit the runway as part of their working collaboratively assessment. TAFE Queensland Fashion and Beauty students receive hands-on training and real-world experience that ensures they graduate job ready.
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