The sound of hard-at-work sewing machines will ring through The Edge's Auditorium at State Library of Queensland all day on Tuesday 25 August, as about 20 QUT fashion students join a massive 'sew-cial' event to produce 65 library bags for prep school kids as part of the annual pop-up Fleet Store.
And they won't be any old bags - what will make these "Totes for Tots" sew special is that they will be made from old jeans donated by the Salvation Army.
And they will be in good company among The Fleet Store's collection of cutting edge garments, shoes and accessories from QUT fashion students and alumni, many with their own labels, featured in the seven-day store held in the Asia Pacific Design Library at State Library of Queensland.
"'Totes for Tots' is The Fleet Store's corporate social responsibility event," said QUT fashion student Ashley Donald.
"We'll have QUT students and staff sewing the library bags to give away to prep school children to encourage interest in reading.
"We are aiming to make 100 bags, with 65 for donation, and the rest sold to raise money for the Salvation Army."
Ms Donald said the fifth annual Fleet Store would not disappoint its loyal following who know the pop-up shop blooms for about a week each year and offers unique clothing and accessories.
"We have items from current design students and some established labels by QUT alumni, such as Gail Sorronda, Soot and Nico Underwear," she said.
"The Fleet Store is created and managed entirely by QUT students. We get to put into practice everything we have learnt about the fashion business."
Fashionistas, be sure to pop into The Fleet Store in the Asia Pacific Design Library at the State Library of Queensland in South Bank's Cultural Precinct. It is open from 21-27 August, Monday to Thursday 10am to 8pm and Friday to Sunday 10am to 5pm. The launch event on 21 August is a ticketed event, hosted on Pozible, and the store will be open to the public from 22-27 August.
Media contact: Niki Widdowson, QUT media, 07 3138 2999 or n.widdowson@qut.edu.au.
