News

Students design new uniforms for iconic precinct

Melbourne & Olympic Parks is launching its new uniform project and bringing upcoming Australian Fashion design talent to the world, with RMIT’s Bachelor of Fashion (Design) (Hons) students and Melbourne’s own award-winning uniform supplier Cargo Crew.

Melbourne & Olympic Parks is launching it’s new uniform project and bringing upcoming Australian Fashion design talent to the world, with RMIT’s Bachelor of Fashion (Design) (Hons) students and Melbourne’s own award-winning uniform supplier Cargo Crew.

The students will design and reimagine an entire uniform collection for Melbourne & Olympic Parks 1000-strong workforce including ushers, security, cleaning, car park, management and operations staff.

They will showcase their work before a judging panel to select the winners, who will receive a trip to the Paris Fashion Week later this year. Hosted by the Australian Fashion Council, it will include a ticket to the signature event at the Australian Embassy.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula announced the once in a lifetime opportunity for the 10 groups of two students at Melbourne Arena, with Melbourne and Olympic Parks CEO Brian Morris, Dean of RMIT School of Fashion and Textiles Professor Robyn Healy and Cargo Crew Founder and Creative Director Felicity Rodgers.

“This is a wonderful project that brings together three of the things we love about Melbourne – sport, major events and fashion. This high-profile project will open doors for up-and-coming designers,” said Minister Pakula.

In addressing the important opportunity to help employees work most effectively and comfortably, Melbourne & Olympic Parks looked outside the box of sports and entertainment to extend the benefits it brings to the State of Victoria – broadening its impact into the community through creativity and education. 

“The project provides an exciting platform for the students, with our staff coming in contact with 2.5 million visitors each year and seen by millions around the world during the broadcast of the Australian Open,” said Brian Morris.

As part of their semester one studies, the students have conducted extensive research including attending events at Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne Arena and AAMI Park to find inspiration for an innovative design that would capture the brand and essence of the precinct.

The designs will be finalised and judged at the end of the semester, with the winning design announced in August. The design will be refined and will go into production, to be ready in time for the 2020 Australian Open.

Brunswick uniform supplier, Cargo Crew won a competitive tender process to produce the winning design in collaboration with RMIT and the winning two students. Cargo Crew has built a reputation for creating modern, quality uniform garments that last. The Melbourne and Olympic Parks precinct is taking rising Australian fashion designers to the world.