Lan Ching Fu, 21, studied at Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Her collection – Bright Eyes a/w 10

“Based on a fable and nursery rhyme I wrote (Midnight Maiden), Bright Eyes a/w 10 brings forth that little neurotic magpie in every one of us.

“This range is a series of hybrid garments – half metal, half fabric. Metal is especially engineered into the structural core of each feature piece in such a way that one element cannot function without the other. Like a virus infiltrating into the very genetic core and hijacking host cells – ‘parasitic beauty.’ Panels of chainmaille and various other metal-weaving structures built in or attached with rod insertion detailing.

“As this is my graduate collection, I wanted to expand outside the typicality of working with woven cloth and explore the realms of reapplying old-school craftsman skills in a modernistic way.

“Each link of chain is hand wound from coils of wire and is a sartorial play on my ideal woman’s crazed, compulsive obsession for beautiful shiny objects. I hope to have created fun, sensual and mysterious clothes for my women. And also to have blurred that traditional boxy straight line that divides clothing and jewellery.”

Midnight Maiden

Midnight maiden, black as ravens
Of light’s beauty she wants all kinds
From Mother of pearls to swords of earls
Her raven claws are sure to find.

Midnight maiden, rides her ravens,
Up to the heavens she goes,
Trout’s fins, teeth of Siamese twins,
As her stars she chose,

Beware naughty boys and girls,
on the days when the moon is missing,
For mistress night will surely snatch
your bright little eyes for her taking.

Midnight maiden, pretty queen of ravens,
Oh how shiny your hair has grown,
Of you story, greed and glory,
Mothers all weep in a row.