REMEMBER the name Isla Munro, because in a few years' time you may just be wearing one of her designs.
The 19-year-old fashion design student has been chosen to take part in a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade program which will see her study in Hong Kong for six months, before interning with a fashion label for a further six months.
Ms Munro was one of 100 students nationally chosen for the New Colombo Plan, and the only one chosen from Curtin University.
The plan she received a scholarship to study and intern anywhere in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The idea of the program is to strengthen ties with the Indo-Pacific region as well as changing Australia’s views about living and working in Asia,” the South Yunderup resident said.
“I believe that the Indo-Pacific region plays a huge role in the future of the fashion industry over the next 10 years as wearable technology starts to effect both the way we design and manufacture our clothing but also what we are wearing.
“Particularly Hong Kong has always been at the forefront of tech innovation and I think it is a natural progression for that knowledge to now be shared into a new wave of garment technology.”
Ms Munro, who has been selling her fashion creations under the label Isla Munro Designs at the Mandjar Markets, said Hong Kong was the perfect mix of design, trade and distribution.
“Another big reason as to why I wanted to live study in Hong Kong is because in the future I intend on manufacturing in and around the region,” she said.
“Fair and ethical work conditions is of huge importance to me and I believe the best way to understand both the personal and workplace culture of another country, is to live and breathe it yourself.”
Ms Munro leaves for Hong Kong early next year.
