Newcastle TAFE student Olivia Lewis is set to showcase her captivating, pollen-inspired design at Sydney Wearable Art Gala (SWAG) this month.
The event will take over the iconic Enmore Theatre on 26-27 November.
She’ll join more than 120 emerging designers and TAFE NSW pupils exhibiting visionary works under the theme “Supernature” – a reimagining of the natural world, where fauna, flora and fantasy intertwine.
For Olivia, the moment marks a bold career transformation.
After leaving her office-based job as a marketing manager, she enrolled in a Certificate III in Live Production at TAFE NSW to pursue her strong passion for creativity.
“I wanted to switch into a career that makes me happy,” Olivia said.
“I just love everything about the course as it’s really hands-on.
“Designing for the Sydney Wearable Art Gala has really challenged me and it has been great to have time to experiment, think and create while not being constricted.”
Her design for SWAG bursts with colour and layered detail, echoing the striking shapes of pollen magnified under a microscope.
“I’ve been busy sewing, needle felting, crocheting, and melting fabrics to see how the materials react,” Olivia explained.
“I really enjoy it.”
The Gala features six competition categories, with a specialist industry panel selecting standout pieces and awarding accolades including the Young Achievers Awards for designers aged 16-20 and the coveted Grand Swagger plaudit for best in show.
The event comes as TAFE NSW ramps up efforts to address critical skills shortages in entertainment and live production, while providing Olivia with invaluable real-world experience for her design studies.
TAFE NSW director of culture, art and design Richard Cass said the event highlighted the calibre of talent emerging from TAFE campuses across the state.
“Wearable art requires our students to think outside the box, bush boundaries and their creativity to the limits,” he explained.
“We’re proud to be training the next generation of skilled professionals who will keep our theatres, festivals, film sets, and cultural events thriving across NSW.”
Tickets can be purchased at the Sydney Wearable Art website.
And, $5 from each sale will go to Father Chris Riley’s Youth Off the Streets, a charity dedicated to combating homelessness in the city.
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