Dunedin fashion graduate shows collection in New York
When Otago Polytechnic graduate and fashion designer, Amelia Boland, discovered an email in her junk folder inviting her to show a collection during New York Fashion Week, she initially dismissed it as spam. "I thought it was a joke, but then when I read the email it was quite specific."
The invitation turned out to be genuine. Amelia traveled to the Big Apple on the 5th of September to take part in Nolcha Fashion Week: New York; a four day event for independent and emerging designers which runs during the prestigious New York Fashion Week.
Nolcha Fashion Week: New York provides a platform for designers to showcase their collections to media, retailers, stylists and other influencers, at a time when the world's fashion industry is focused on New York.
"It's very exciting! New York is my dream destination from a career standpoint andit's an amazing opportunity tolearn about the industry," says the 24 year-old.
It was her 2010 Otago Polytechnic graduate collection atiD Fashion Week in Dunedin that brought her international attention."The footage of my show atiD got me my invite. I feel as though that showcase gave me the confidence in my work to jump at this opportunity."
"My collection is derived from the theme of growing up, from childhood to womanhood, and has contrasting features that merge throughout the garments such as sheer and heavy fabrics, black and cream, form-fitting and floaty."
A bank loan and donations from residents of her home town, Nelson, made the New York trip a reality. Otago Polytechnic also contributed $1500. "It's wonderful to have the backing of my tertiary institution and I am really grateful for all the support," she says.