Student Profile
Alistair Yiap's design
Alister Yiap
Store manager at a jewellery retail store and casual lecturer
Bachelor of Arts (Jewellery Design)
I chose Curtin because it was the only university in Western Australia which offers a Bachelor of Arts specifically in Jewellery design.
Studying at Curtin was an enjoyable experience and I do miss the good old days! It was also a place, which harboured a load of memories, and not to mention the life long friends I have made along the way! Most staff are easy to get along with; always willing to lend a hand and are inquisitive about your work.
Alistair Yiap's design
The highlight was my graduating fashion show titled ‘In Transit’ held at the Fremantle passenger terminal, the night I also won the Sinclairs Industry Award.
My career path since I graduated has been as follows:
- I started a fulltime position as a manager of a Jewellery retail store the week after my Graduate exhibition.
- Graduate collection accepted into Katherine Kalaf Gallery.
- My graduate work was also exhibited at the Jewellers and Metalsmith group of Australia’s Graduate metal Xl at the biennial national JMGA conference held in Adelaide.
- I was accepted into a National mentor program for design businesses ‘Springboard: entrepreneurship for designers’ – Flew to Melbourne once a month for three months.
- Received a grant from the Department of Culture and the Arts for funding to attend Springboard.
- I was selected as one of five emerging designers for Styleaid for July 2008.
- Selected to participate in Collection #2 Perth Fashion Festival Runway Show 2008.
- Started a collaborative group/label with fellow graduates titled JACK be Nimble www.jackbenimble.com.au
- Commission by Curtin University of Technology to design and manufacture International agent gifts.
- Took up a casual lecturing position at Central Institute of Technology.
- Judge for the Student Runway Styleaid 2009.
- Returned as an established designer for Styleaid 2009.
- Selected to participate in Collection #2 Perth Fashion Festival Runway Show 2009.
- Finalist for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Awards (Fine Details) 2009.
- Invited by the Kimberly Theatre Company to judge their annual community event Worn Art in Broom, WA 2009.
- Joined the growing number of independent designers at the Midland Atelier workshops www.midlandatelier.com
- Received Grant from DCA to create my next look book and take it to Life Instyle trade fair in Melbourne.
- Design and made bag for L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival and Australian Poetry Centre 2010.
- Designed T-shirt #10 for the Wear it with Pride national awareness campaign. www.wearitwithpride.com.au
- Opened Kooey (swimwear) Rosemount Australian Fashion Week parade with a runway couture piece 2010.
- Selected to take part in Art In Bloom 2010 with the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
- Exhibiting in ‘Beyond Garment’ exhibition held at the Maritime Museum during Perth Fashion Festival 2010.
- Won the FINE DETAILS (Accessories) category at the 2010 WA Fashion Awards, which took place as part of Perth Fashion Festival in September. This award recognises the work of an individual or label, whose design of accessories including shoes, bags or jewellery, has made a significant impression in the fashion community over the past 12 months.
- Won the Installation Prize at ART IN BLOOM @ AGWA 2010 for my interpretation of Ben Henson’s photography work.
- Announced as a top 10 finalist for the Qantas Spirit of Youth Awards 2010, ‘Industrial and Object Design’ category. Was the only finalist from Western Australia in this category, and one of only 4 WA finalists out of 70 nominees across all awards. The winner will be announced on 11 November 2010. More details can be seen at http://soya.com.au/News/SOYA-shortlist-top-tens-for-2010
Alistair Yiap's design
The degree has definitely aided me in where I am today, however a lot of information I found out for myself. Unfortunately the career is most fulfilled from a self-employment perspective.
I would recommend the degree to those who wish to be makers of contemporary and wearable art, or jewellery designers. Those wishing to become a jeweller should pursue apprentice-ships or other institutions whose focus lies more heavily on the technical.
