University of Applied Arts Vienna: graduate fashion show 2022

The University of Applied Arts in Vienna's fashion design students presented looks at the university's graduate fashion show. From graduation collections made from repurposed materials to a special collection of all-blue looks, a wide variety of fashion styles were showcased at the event.

The show took place under the creative direction of designer Grace Wales Bonner, head of the department of fashion design at the University of Applied Arts Vienna since 2020. Imogen Snell and Riccardo Castana from the London design studio ISStudio and the fashion class were also involved in creating the fashion show.

Viennese waltz, cornflower blue and presentation of the Rondo Fashion Prize 2022

At the show, the designs of different years were shown - from creative minds from the advanced semesters to designers who showed their graduation collections. “The students in the fashion class gave an overall strong, vocal and lively sign of life," the university said in a statement.

The Rondo Fashion Prize 2022, endowed with 3,000 euros in prize money, was awarded during the event. The award, given annually and sponsored by the jewellery and watch label Saboteur for the first time this year, went to Fritz Hassler. In his graduation collection 'Treacherous Roads', Hassler reinterpreted archetypal characters and idealised wardrobes - inspired by his biography. For the eight looks created, the aspiring designer used deadstock materials and various upcycling elements: he used a baby blanket from his girlfriend, fabrics designed by his grandmother and knitted samples.

Tina Lichtenstöger, as the second graduand, showed her graduation collection called 'Reserved Adventure' that evening. The collection presented contemporary menswear and consisted of looks in different shades of red. Lichtenstöger used high-quality materials such as hand-dyed silk and transparent linen fabric.

The show was musically accompanied by a specially created version of the Viennese waltz by the Ambassade Orchestra Vienna. The choreography was matched to the music piece by performance artist MJ Harper.

The show's finale featured a variety of looks in a bold shade of blue entitled 'Blue Project’ created by various students; the project was inspired by the same colour that is iconic to the French artist Yves Klein. Matt Lambert captured a short film during the show, which will premiere at the Angewandte Festival at the end of June.

This article was originally published on FashionUnited.de and translated by Andrea Byrne.