Tyalgum designer's winning look

Byron McGilvray with his conceptual design.

John Gass

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A TYALGUM fashion designer has been invited to the Australian Fashion Week in May after his conceptual design won a competition run by Raffles College of Design and Commerce in Sydney.

Byron McGilvray, 26, created a conceptual leather jacket that can be worn in two ways.

“From the outside it looks like an oversized leather jacket with water droplets,” Mr McGilvray said.

“But turned inside out, the concertina opens and over 300 LED lights come on.

“It’s that sort of rebel rocker, bad-girl look, but becomes quite feminine.”

Mr McGilvray will also showcase another 11 items as part of his Fashion Week premiere.

“I will be working with leather, draping, silk, studs and pleats,” he said.

Despite his success, Mr McGilvray doesn’t believe he’s reached his potential.

“I’m excited for Fashion Week this year but the year after is even more important.

“Once you’ve presented a couple of times you’ve made it, they say.”

The designer houses his works in a quaint workshop turned store called House of Canelli.

The name, like much of Mr McGilvray’s work is inspired by history.

“I try to draw a lot of my references from history,” he said.

“Fulcanelli was supposed to be the only alchemist to turn lead into gold.”

The talented designer was calling for anyone interested in investing in his designs, as the cost of showcasing at Australian Fashion Week could soar to more than $15,000.