From Wintec runway to New Zealand Fashion Week

Work hard and stay humble.

These are the wise words of advice that were given to Mitchell Vincent, former Wintec fashion student.

Since graduating with a diploma in Fashion, Vincent has been working hard developing his online store, www.mitchellvincent.co.nz after receiving national recognition showcasing at New Zealand Fashion Week.

“I always knew I’d be in some sort of creative industry. I knew that fashion would be a part of my life; it was just a matter of when.”

With the annual Wintec Fashion Event coming up on November 22, Vincent remembers his own experiences with the runway show and regards the event as one of his most memorable moments.

The first year runway showcase, the theme he had to base his designs on was the country Australia, and he called it “Urban Original.”  The last theme for his final year showcase he based the collection on vision called “20/20.”

Although there is a lot of stress and preparation leading up to the final showcase, Vincent believes the show was the “cherry on top” and saw it as more of an achievement that he had made it to the end of his study.

“I truly feel that it’s the information and knowledge that is collected throughout study that is most important.”

First year students this year have to come up with one garment based on the 1800’s to coincide with the celebration of Hamilton’s 150 year birthday.

Second year students have to produce an inspired collection of 3-5 garments.

The fashion industry here in New Zealand is often hard to break into, with big labels dominating a small window in the market. However, New Zealand fashion is becoming increasingly popular and recognised worldwide.

Vincent describes his sense of fashion as “simplicity, sophistication, yet rebellious” and describes his brand of clothing as functional, that can be worn as a full look or next to other designer brands.

“In the big picture, I want to be the garment in everyone’s wardrobe – that ‘must have’ piece that is the ‘go-to piece’.”

For more information about the launch of the website, www.mitchellvincent.co.nz the Mitchell Vincent Collection can be followed on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

His advice for Wintec fashion students is “be determined in what you do and be proud in what you have accomplished.”

“Your dreams don’t work unless you do.”