THE west end of the Ballarat Showgrounds will be transformed into the Paris end of showgrounds for the Rural Lifestyle Expo on April 11.
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The old Harry Smith Pavilion will become the Fibre, Fabric and Fashion Pavilion, filled with garments and accessories created from natural fibres.
Among the items on show will be fashion ensembles created by past and present students from Loreto College. Loreto's VCE product design and technology teacher Jennifer Leigh described the work by current year 12 student Chelsea Trainor and past students Ruth Spencer and Laura McKenzie as "outstanding", and praised the expo for the opportunity to showcase fashion items.
"(Event director) Gerard Ballinger approached Loreto to ask if we would like to participate and we were very pleased for the opportunity," Mrs Leigh said.
"The three designs are from students who have completed the product design and technology course. This year's are still at the planning stage so that is why we have garments from last year.
"There was an emphasis on natural fibre and two of these garments use a lot of silk while the other is authentic vintage cotton.
"The girls take a client on and they research and then design for the client. That is the wholeow I can pay for accommodation and concentrate on my course rather than have to balance it with part premise of this subject. You always work to a design brief, simulating the workplace."
Two of the garments were selected for the prestigious Top Designs Exhibition held at the Melbourne Museum in 2012 and 2014 respectively.
Ms Trainor's design is a mid-season formal luncheon outfit consisting of three pieces - a pure silk manipulated fabric skirt, polyester top and a PVC rain jacket.
Ms Spencer's is a wedding outfit consisting of three pieces - a dress and jacket in silk, and a hat of raffia and silk.
Ms McKenzie's design is a vintage beach outfit consisting of three pieces - authentic vintage cotton print fabric sundress, and two piece swimwear.
Other stalls in the Fibre, Fabric and Fashion pavilion will include: cashmere garments; alpaca fleeces, fibre and garments; and organic cotton bedding. Australian Wool Innovation, meanwhile, will display the winners of its national Wool for School competition.
gavin.mcgrath@fairfaxmedia.com.au