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August 25, 2024

Two Fashion Design alumni among the finalists for Lichting 2024

Fashion Design graduates Nouka Rous and Arva Bustin are two of ten participants of Lichting 2024. They will receive guidance throughout the Lichting process, including an extensive workshop that prepares them for the panel pitch on 5 September and the show during Fashion Week on 6 September.

Nouka Rous

Nouka Rous graduated with their collection “But by Reflection”, and was selected by the Dutch jury to participate in Lichting 2024. Nouka shares: “My collection is an exploration into a sense of (queer) self within society’s expectations of femininity. I am interested in the friction such constraints cause, and the gradual transformation into one’s true self, which can be difficult yet liberating. My collection takes place in this moment of struggle, and mental growing pains are made visible. My models are partially restricted in their movement, while some garments fall away from them like discarded cocoons. Using body language and materiality as a means of expression, I have made fragile sculptures ranging from protective shells to vulnerable transparencies to tell this story.”

Arva Bustin

Arva Bustin graduated with her collection “Ultra Ora”, and was selected by the Dutch jury to participate in Lichting 2024. Arva shares: “My collection symbolises the awkwardness of a transitionary period and a refusal to change for conventionality, which is inspired by my own transition. To portray this I created a world in which humanity immediately went from the middle ages to the space age in a manic progressive rush. Within the collection, I work with a cast of characters derived from european medieval archetypes who are in varying stages of their transition toward space and wear combinations of their traditional garments and spacesuits. Each of them portrays this necessary identity change  while struggling to hold on to their core identity.”

Graduation Film

View the full Graduation Film of Fashion Design:

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About Fashion Design