Let’s celebrate the emerging local designers of the amazing city we call Melbourne. As part of the first ever collaboration between RMIT University and the fabulous Prahran hair salon Blondes to Brunettes, I was lucky to attend the exhibition of third year fashion design student Meg Kolac. Today’s lesson takes a sneak peek at her inspiring and creative designs.

Before we delve into the creativeness of Miss Kolac’s designs we must first learn our history. Spending most of her childhood in the south eastern suburbs of Melbourne, her creativity, brilliance and talent were bound to reach the big city halls of RMIT University. Taking inspiration from her favourite designers Basso & Brooke, Thierry Perez and illustrator David Downton, the 21-year-old up and coming Designer & Fashion Illustrator, continues to astound the minds of those who come across her work. With a clear love for fashion illustration, her vibrant designs and drawings are transformed into simple, elegant, yet quirky garments; a true reflection of the talented designer she is.

Upon entering the exhibition, my eyes were drawn immediately to Miss Kolac’s sketches on the back wall. Drawn on spare sheets of cardboard, the illustrations featured a bright colour palette pleasurable to the eye, with a concept every women can relate to. Collectively, a diverse illustration of women, the drawings seem to represent the eclectic, individuality of women’s fashion and style.

Moving around the exhibit, my focus shifts to the fashion designs of Miss Kolac’s latest collection This Way Up. Her design sketches are aesthetically beautiful, matching simplicity and elegance with fun, quirkiness and a hint of retro. Designing her garments with a strong sense of self, her love for individual beautiful fashion is indicative of her design concepts. Her sketches turns into reality as her garments are strategically placed in the window of Blondes to Brunettes. Boasting beautiful colour palettes and strong silhouettes, the designs exuberance is cleverly matched with a sense of comfort and simplicity. From tailored high waist shorts, elegant yet colourful blazers and a simple yet sleek dress, it is clear that Miss Kolac is only just beginning to show Melbourne her talent and creativity.

On top of this, I also had the pleasure of witnessing how far Meg Kolac’s talent goes – not only is she a fabulous fashion designer and illustrator, she happens to play Double Base in a 1950’s inspired duo; The Hosies with her sister Xani Kolac. We were treated a few songs from the duo, a magnificent way to end a magnificent exhibition.

Homework: Be sure to visit the exhibit at 149 High Street Prahran, Melbourne by the 18th of March or you will miss out! Class Dismissed. //MissT

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