HomeStart Fashion 2023 Graduate Award Winner – Zoe Kao Shares Her Story

The HomeStart Fashion and Costume Graduate Parade highlights the creativity of up-and-coming designers. One of the standout winners from last year was Zoe Kao, whose collection, The Distant Planet, impressed both the audience and judges.

The HomeStart Fashion and Costume Graduate Parade is an exciting event that highlights the creativity of up-and-coming designers. The parade features collections of graduates of the Bachelor of Creative Arts – Fashion and the Bachelor of Creative Arts – Costume offered by Flinders University and TAFE SA.
One of the standout winners from last year was Zoe Kao, whose collection, The Distant Planet, impressed both the audience and judges.

A passion for fashion

Zoe’s journey into fashion design began with a short course in pattern making at TAFE SA. Instantly drawn to the creative process, she pursued further studies, progressing through certificate courses, an advanced diploma, and eventually a pathway to a bachelor’s degree. For Zoe, TAFE SA felt like a family, with supportive lecturers who nurtured her talent and passion for design.

The award-winning collection

Zoe’s collection, The Distant Planet, was inspired by the artwork of Chao Chung-Hsiang and the beauty of nature, with deep reflections on environmental, political, and social issues. Her designs were shaped like cocoon and floral shapes, symbolising rebirth and the flourishing of life. The colour palette – white for peace, yellow for hope and passion, green for nature, and pink for love – added deeper meaning to her pieces. She also remained committed to sustainability, using primarily natural fibres, with silk as a key fabric in her collection.

Life after graduation

Since graduating, Zoe has been working in hospitality to support her ongoing passion forjourney for fashion design. While she continues to explore creative projects, she remains grateful for the support she received during her studies. Winning the HomeStart Fashion Graduate of the Year Award was a defining moment in her journey, giving her the confidence to pursue what she loves.

The impact of the HomeStart award

Receiving the award and prize money from HomeStart was a milestone for Zoe. While she hasn’t spent the funds yet, she plans to invest in her fashion career by either upgrading her tools or putting it toward her next capsule collection.

Words of encouragement for future graduates

Reflecting on her journey, Zoe encourages this year’s graduates to fully embrace their moment on the runway. “Enjoy the graduation parade – this will be one of the best memories of your life.”

HomeStart is proud to support emerging talent in the fashion industry, helping graduates take their first steps toward a bright and creative future.