Dog coat on display

Kangan Institute student Megan Taylor will have her work shown at the at Hong Kong Business of Design Week. Picture Shawn Smits.

By Jessica Micallef

A Gisborne fashion designer’s colourful creations will be on show at a major Hong Kong design event next month.

Twenty-two year-old Megan Taylor’s handpainted ‘dog coat’ – inspired by Melbourne’s laneways and graffiti scenery – will be among 50 other Victorian designers showcasing their work at the Great Southern Style exhibition as part of the Hong Kong Business of Design Week.

Ms Taylor said the chance to present her work was special. “It is really exciting to have an opportunity to participate and have my work seen in such a big market,” Ms Taylor said.

After finishing her coursework at Kangan Institute, Ms Taylor put her hand up to make a brand new design after receiving an email.

“I had finished my graduate collection and I had left over materials so I made a companion piece,” Ms Taylor said.

Her hand painted dog coat was made from an upholstery frayed canvas to reflect a distressed look, with splashes of colour and spray paint, while keeping in mind the sustainable theme of the exhibition.

Ms Taylor said this was the first time her designs had been selected to feature in this event. She will be one of seven Kangan Institute fashion and millinery students whose work will be on display.

Kangan Institute CEO Trevor Schwenke said he was proud of the students. “Well done to the talented students who were selected to represent Kangan Institute at the exhibition,” Mr Schwenke said.

“We’re looking forward to this opportunity to join Victorian designers, design organisations and institutions in showcasing our state’s diversity and creativity, which includes emerging talents from Victorian TAFEs like Kangan Institute.”