All are part of Sydney's emerging new wave of young designers, primed to take on the Dinnigans and the Isogawas. The competition doesn't bother them, they say - most have plans to go into business for themselves. Nirvana is a shop of their own, a label recognised around the world. Most say yes. Gilbert Tan hopes to ride that wave, having already registered his womenswear line of formal gowns.
Influences are diverse - the human body, bondage culture, Chinese astrology.
Raffia, wire, barramundi skin and computer-generated prints. All the students are optimistic about Australia's fashion industry. Jack Oualline believes there has been a creative renaissance in recent years - ideas now hold sway. Yes, he says firmly. Certainly in Melbourne anyway.