Joshua Djordjewitsch creates custom garment for Fashion Queensland

Creating an international label is no small feat – but everyone starts somewhere. Christian Dior began by working for designer Robert Piguet while Coco Chanel began working as a seamstress in her teens before going out on her own and opening her shop a decade later.

At Billy Blue, we’re lucky enough to see our students grow from aspiring designers to making their mark on the fashion industry. We’re particularly honoured to be a part of Joshua Djordjewitsch’s journey. From Billy Blue Branded Fashion Design student to starting his label Djordjewitsch, Joshua has been named by Vogue Australia as an emerging Australian designer to watch. Earlier this year, Joshua was invited by Fashion Queensland to create a one-off custom design that blended art and science. Inspired by research into spider venom, Joshua created a unique piece that was revealed in a runway show alongside other designers at the Cutting Edge gala dinner.

His educational journey at Billy Blue College of Design

Looking to explore his creative side, Joshua made the decision to study at Billy Blue. He did his research and found the Bachelor of Branded Fashion Design aligned with his goals by offering extensive and detailed theory content and lots of practical experience.

The well-roundedness of the course was especially appealing to Joshua as he was still deciding what career he would pursue within the fashion world. He believed broadening his skills would make him a desirable creative within the fashion industry and give him options when deciding on his fashion career path.

Joshua’s journey with Billy Blue was challenging at first. He entered the course with a creative mind and eagerness to learn but without a technical design background. While he didn’t have the technical skills to sew or a thorough understanding of garment construction, the Bachelor of Branded Fashion Design is tailored for beginners and features units like Advanced Draping and Sewing, and Tech and Specs for Fashion.

He credits his motivation, work ethic and talent with the support of the passionate teachers at Billy Blue for helping him flourish and grow into the designer he is today.

This is not the first time Joshua has had a design walk a Fashion Queensland runway. While studying, Joshua began building relationships within the Fashion Queensland community by showcasing his design work at events like the Fashion Queensland Ekka Fashion Natural Fibres Fashion Parade. This is a relationship that has grown stronger throughout his time as a student and now as an established designer.

As industry partners, Billy Blue and Fashion Queensland are dedicated to supporting emerging fashion talents in Queensland.

Launching his own fashion label Djordjewitsch

Joshua’s exploration of his creative voice at Billy Blue naturally evolved into his independent label, Djordjewitsch. Inspired by conventionalism, minimalism and brutalist silhouettes, his non-conformist aesthetic that challenges convention comes through his Cutting Edge runway custom design.

His label offers men's and women’s designs with an emphasis on minimalism and brutalist silhouettes. With exaggerated proportions and considered fabrics, Joshua appeals to individuals looking to go beyond conformity to express individuality.

Creating a garment for the Cutting Edge gala dinner

Joshua’s design process began at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience where researchers are searching for ways to turn toxic funnel spider venom into potential treatments for strokes and heart attacks. Joshua was inspired by the ability of the researchers to turn spider venom that can kill into medicine that can save lives.

Inspired by this contrast, Joshua wanted to use this push-and-pull effect in the design and construction of the garment. He also wanted to convey the deep sense of hopefulness he felt from the research with a light and ethereal aesthetic, a shift away from his usual aesthetic.

Ready to create your own namesake label? Find out how you can start your journey and find your creative voice with us.