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- Grace Byrne
Grace
Byrne
She Wears the Role
BA Fashion (with Collection Design)
The concept for my graduate collection is inspired by the cultural transformation of Barbie from her 1959 debut as a glamorous fashion doll to her reinvention as a symbol of limitless careers, empowerment, and modern femininity. Designing this fashion collection was a personal tribute to Barbie, inspired by the years my sister, my mum, and I spent collecting Barbie dolls together. This collection will explore the balance between femininity and power, where beauty will coexist with independence. By merging nostalgia with contemporary design, She Wears the Role redefines Barbie as not just an icon of beauty, but as a symbol of adaptability and confidence in the modern world. I done this by combining the classic fit, tailored career-driven silhouettes with appropriate fabrics, decorative detailing and a feminine colour palette.
Work Placements – Vivienna Lorikeet and Oncewas – Melbourne, Australia
Remake- Alexander McQueen
This pattern drafting project challenged us to recreate a garment using only reference images of the final design, pushing our technical and problem-solving skills in pattern cutting and construction. For this project, I chose to recreate a design inspired by Alexander McQueen, known for his dramatic silhouettes and innovative craftsmanship. Throughout the process, I explored advanced toiling methods and experimental pattern drafting techniques in order to accurately replicate the complexity of the original design while developing my understanding of high-fashion construction.
Shape Shift
This project involved designing a fashion line up inspired by the theatrical glam-rock era of the 1970s. Drawing influence from David Bowie, the bold optical artwork of Bridget Riley, and the iconic style and patterns from icons in the 70s , the collection explored self-expression, movement, and individuality. Through exaggerated silhouettes, graphic patterns, and playful tailoring, the designs combined retro influences with contemporary fashion to create a bold and visually striking collection.