Lila making her way in fashion industry
People
Lila Weidenbach, a talented designer, seamstress and 2021 graduate of Kildare College, is making her way in the competitive world of fashion design.
Her latest achievement was being named the winner of ‘RSVP Ready’ Fashion Design Awards. An initiative of the Burnside Village, RSVP Ready is a gateway for emerging South Australian fashion designers to unveil and publicly showcase their creations in the limelight of the popular eastern suburbs shopping centre for 10 days.
The exclusive award was open to students studying TAFESA’s Advanced Diploma of Fashion.
The criteria included creating an outfit for a special occasion and suitable for summer.
Lila was selected for her ‘Floriade Gown’ which featured a structured bodice and full skirt embellished with flowers.
“I originally bought the fabric used for this piece in New York during Year 12,” Lila said.
“I wanted the tightly structured nature of the corset to accentuate the three-dimensional petals and leaves blooming throughout the gown underneath.”
Lila said the curriculum opportunities, future pathway exposure and staff at Kildare College ignited her dream of becoming a fashion designer.
“The staff at Kildare somehow knew my calling before I did,” she explained.
“I’ve been sketching dresses and crafting paper cutouts since I was a child, but it wasn’t until my later years at Kildare College that I realised this passion could turn into a career.
“Ms Rebecca Sarvas, the Careers coordinator at Kildare, knew that fashion design would be the perfect outlet for my creativity.”
While Lila’s career is just beginning, she is no stranger to fashion design and has won awards at various fashion shows and completing a Certificate II and III in Applied Fashion Design and Textiles during Years 11 and 12.
While she continues her studies, she is working in the industry as a bridal stylist and seamstress for two local designers.
Her graduate collection is inspired by her formative years growing up at Arkaroola in the Flinders Ranges, contrasting with European high fashion.
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