Alisha has the goods

By Bridget Brady
Young Cranbourne designer Alisha Mascurine has her sights set on the world fashion stage after she had her first public display this month.
Alisha, 16, who attends St Peter’s College in Cranbourne, had one of her designs selected in a fashion parade for Kangan Batman TAFE, where she studies a Certificate II in Applied Fashion Design Technology as part of a VET course.
Alisha said her Nan used to teach her how to sew little things and eventually she taught herself how to make clothes.
“I’ve always been into art and when I was in about Grade 3 I bought a book about fashion design and that’s what really interested me,” Alisha said.
The Year 10 student said female Australian designer Alannah Hill was one of the inspirations that moulded her style, which she described as “luxury”.
“I’m really interested in different cultures. I like European cultures and really feminine, expensive-looking clothes.”
“I would like to be a high calibre fashion designer and definitely something that will appeal to a higher range of clients.”
Alisha’s teacher at Kangan Batman TAFE, Mandy Hinton, said Alisha had the goods to achieve her goals.
“She has definitely got the spark, potential and perseverance to follow through with it,” she said.
In a tricky industry to crack, Alisha had the flair and commitment to make it happen, Ms Hinton said.
Alisha said she was thrilled to have her dress selected in the fashion parade.
“It was amazing. My dress was the second in the show. It was really good.”
Alisha said her goal after she completed school was to be accepted into the esteemed fashion course at RMIT.
“They get about 7000 applicants and about 35 get in … fashion is a pretty hard industry. If you really want to do it you have to love it a lot.
“It’s about determination. There are so many opportunities out there you just have to take them.”
Alisha said she was grateful to have wonderful support from her family, friends and teachers.