New York glamour takes centre stage at Burnside Village

A touch of New York glamour will arrive at Burnside Village when TAFE SA and Flinders University Bachelor of Creative Arts Fashion students showcase their collections in the RSVP Ready Fashion Design Awards exhibition from 30 July to 9 August. 

Now in its fourth year, the collaboration between Burnside Village, TAFE SA and Flinders University offers emerging designers a platform to showcase their designs, gain industry exposure, and compete for prizes. 

This year’s brief ‘RSVP Ready. What would Audrey wear?’ was inspired by the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s and invited students to capture the timeless elegance and sophistication of Audrey Hepburn’s iconic style. 

Paying homage to the little black dress, a sprinkle of colour, pearls, chic tailoring, and a touch of New York glamour, the competition encouraged designs that reinterpret classic Hollywood refinement for a contemporary audience. 

Burnside Village Centre General Manager Jodie Kannane said the annual exhibition has become a highlight of the centre’s calendar. 

“Fashion is at the heart of everything we do at Burnside Village, and our partnership with TAFE SA and Flinders University is a reflection of that commitment,” she said. 

“Watching these students respond to a brief that demands creative courage, and then seeing their work displayed in the centre, is exciting.” 

TAFE SA’s Principal Lecturer – Fashion, Costume, Retail and Floristry, Helen Jansson, said this exhibition gave students the opportunity to present their work in a premium retail setting. 

“’What Would Audrey Wear?’ asked students to interpret a cultural icon through their own creative lens and then bring that to life in a real retail environment. Putting those skills into practice and then executing them is what the industry asks of designers from day one,” she said. 

The exhibition will also showcase 2025 Costume graduate collections celebrating the diversity of contemporary costume practice. 

Drawing on a wide range of narrative sources and artistic influences, students have researched, designed, and crafted costumes inspired by fantastical stories and captivating 

characters. Inspired by beloved book series, iconic stage productions, cinematic worlds, or original creative concepts, each project reflects the individual designer’s passion, imagination, and technical skill. 

A floral installation by TAFE SA Certificate III Floristry students will further enhance the experience, featuring a beautiful table setting with a cascading floral centrepiece. 

Twelve students have been shortlisted in the design awards with a panel of independent judges assessing the entries based on excellence in concept, vision and design. 

The top three designs will be announced on Monday 10 August. Members of the public can also vote for their favourite design in the People’s Choice Award. 

In addition to industry exposure and recognition, award recipients will receive the following prizes: 

● 1st Prize: Internship at Aje head office in Sydney, plus a $1500 Burnside Village Gift Card. 

● 2nd Prize: $1000 Burnside Village Gift Card 

● 3rd Prize: $500 Burnside Village Gift Card 

● People’s Choice Award: $500 Burnside Village Gift Card 

RSVP Ready Fashion Design Awards exhibition 

When: 30 July – 9 August 2026 

Where: Burnside Village, 447 Portrush Road, Glenside, Fashion Mall Timber Deck, as well as 12 costumes on display in the Atrium Mall (opposite Jurlique) 

About Burnside Village 

Burnside Village is a premier shopping destination, renowned for its curated selection of high-end fashion, home and lifestyle brands, exceptional dining, and outstanding customer experience. With its sophisticated and memorable atmosphere, Burnside Village has established itself as a world class retail shopping destination with over 1500 free car parks and located only 5km east of the Adelaide CBD. 

About TAFE SA: 

TAFE SA is South Australia’s largest provider of vocational education and training, delivering high-quality programs and skills training across the state. 

The organisation offers short courses and entry-level certificates through to Higher Education qualifications. The Bachelor of Creative Arts Costume and Bachelor of Creative Arts Fashion are dual sector degrees delivered in partnership with Flinders University. 

TAFE SA’s focus on quality, innovation and delivering an outstanding student experience was recognised at the end of 2024 with the National Large Training Provider of the Year Award at the Australian Training Awards