Aspiring designers showcase their skills at the Youth Fashion Mentorship

After more than three months, the Youth Fashion Mentorship has wrapped up, with a group of lucky mentees gaining access to practical skills, mentoring and real-world insights into the fashion industry. 

The Town of Claremont partnered with Bindaring Clothing Sale to give a creative group of 12-20-year-olds from the western suburbs the rare opportunity to participate in a range of workshops and talks, culminating in the creation of their own garment. 

Mentees received hands-on support from Bindaring volunteers and attended a range of workshops including a textile printing and manipulation class with guest presenter Henri Grochowski. 

Following the workshops, the sewing rooms were opened to all mentees for nine weeks to gain sewing and design guidance and support in creating their garment. 

"Seeing the creativity, growth and passion of these young designers over the past three months has been truly inspiring," Bindaring President Althea Mahon said. 

"Our volunteers loved working side-by-side with the mentees, sharing technical skills and watching their initial concepts take shape into incredible, unique garments. It's been a rewarding experience for everyone involved at Bindaring and we are so proud of what this talented group has achieved," she added. 

Industry partner Claremont Quarter provided mentees with the opportunity to attend a presentation by Claremont Quarter Fashion Director Teagan Sewell and a talk by Creative Director and Brand Consultant Ken Leung. 

Older mentees could also be hands on for Claremont Quarter's Autumn/Winter launch and Spring/Summer runway launches. 

Hawaiian, the proud owner of Claremont Quarter, donated $10,000 to the initiative from its Community Sponsorship Program. 

"Claremont Quarter is home to the largest concentration of fashion of any centre in WA, so the opportunity to be involved was naturally an excellent fit," Claremont Quarter Senior Marketing Manager Kate Peasley said. 

"We want to support the industry from a grassroots level. It's becoming harder for young people in Perth to access these kinds of opportunities, so being able to provide that through our runway events made this an easy choice for us." 

Town of Claremont Mayor Peter Telford commented, "For a young person with a creative idea, access to experienced mentors and real industry opportunities can be transformative. 

"This program has given participants practical skills, confidence and valuable industry connections, while allowing them to experience the satisfaction of turning an idea into something tangible. 

"The Town is proud to have partnered with Bindaring Clothing Sale, Claremont Quarter and Hawaiian. I congratulate every mentee and encourage the community to visit the exhibition and see what these talented young people have created," he said. 

All designs will go in the running to win cash prizes supplied by Bindaring, with the winners to be announced at the Awards Night on Friday 28 August. 

A selection of the final pieces will be on display in Claremont Quarter on the second floor from Friday 28 August to Tuesday 8 September.