FOR fashion design students, one experience is invaluable to their future career - the chance to sell their designs in a major shopping centre.

For the first weekend of every month until October, TAFE Queensland East Coast fashion design students will get to do just that.

In the Fashion Incubator event, students will sell their wares in an interactive pop-up clothing and accessories market at the Sunshine Plaza Shopping Centre.

The first Incubator was held last weekend on August 1 and 2.

Sunshine Plaza shoppers had the opportunity to purchase bespoke pieces from the young designer students' latest ranges.

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Fashion student Stephany Eland, 18, from Mapleton, said her love of fashion design started from making cosplay costumes as a hobby.

"I've always enjoyed looking at the way fashion speaks about a person or culture and the way that even though it's an individual choice, culture chooses the way it moves," she said.

Aaron Grant, 18, from Nambour, said up until about six months ago, he had no idea what he wanted to do as a career.

"Fashion to me is an art form and a way for me to express myself creatively," he said.

"But what I really like about the whole realm of fashion is designing and creating things that I see in my head."

Sunshine Plaza marketing manager Kylie Riches said the Fashion Incubator concept provided a synergy between fashion and the local community.

"We've received a sneak peek at the students' latest ranges and they look great," she said.

"We are very excited to offer a retail space for the students to exhibit and sell their all-new designs.

"It truly is a great opportunity to support local up-and-coming talent in the region."

The students' fashion teacher Amanda Knights said hands-on training was essential for TAFE students.

"The Fashion Incubator offers a fantastic launching pad for our fashion students, giving them a chance to show off their designs and a taste of the real-world fashion industry," she said.

The next Fashion Incubator will be held on Saturday and Sunday September 5 and 6 at Level 1 Sunshine Plaza, outside Myer.

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