Testimonials
16 March 2009
My name is Kelli andI am 28 years of age. My desire was to pursue studies in millinery and a career in fashion so I moved to Melbourne from Queensland at the end of 2007. After finishing a bachelor of business, I spent most of my 20's running a business. In my late 20's I had the chance to study at the Melbourne School of Fashion and move into an industry I am passionate about - fashion!! I have now graduated with a Certificate in Millinery Construction and Design.
At the moment I am working in accounts but I also operate my own online store with millinery and accessories. I also supply boutiques with my hats across the Spring Racing season.
The course content was really broad and enabled the students to work with a complete range of millinery materials and techniques. Millinery is a design field that works with mediums that can be manipulated in so many ways. Our lecturer Sandy Buchanan encouraged the students to experiment and develop their own ideas, whilst still remaining true to the traditional techniques. It was a lot of fun!
My favourite topic was felt hat making. I enjoy working with the material and perhaps the novelty of a winter hat having grown up in Queensland! Throughout the whole course I enjoyed the challenge of designing to a brief. It's very relevant, particularly with custom made designs where often you don't get full creative freedom as your purpose is to follow what the customer wants.
Since completing the course I have been designing and making headpieces and hats for race and bridal wear. My designs have won a few regional race day fashions on the field. I also won a competition in 2008 and was listed on www.ragtradejobs.com as an upcoming designer.
The course definitely met my expectations and I learnt a diverse range of skills. The course is really hands on with a relaxed and friendly learning environment.
I would love to keep designing hats and I love all accessories. My ultimate career path would be to become an accessories buyer within a large fashion company.
16 March 2009
Hi my name is Sophie . I am 21 years of age and I come from Melbourne. I graduated in December 2008 with a Certificate in Fashion Business.
The course was very informative thanks to the skills of the industry based lecturers who were able to deliver the course content with factual examples that illustrated the content. The subjects I enjoyed most were Visual Merchandising and Start Your Own Business where you had to write up a business plan.
Due to receiving high marks in my subjects, my self esteem has helped me become more confident at work as it has improved my analytical and problem solving skills. These skills are constantly used in my job role as an Assistant Stock and Visual Merchandise Manager at Forever New.
I feel totally confident about finding a full time position in a retail company where I can use my skills learnt from the course to pursue a successful career in management.
The course definitely met my expectations as the lecturers worked one on one with the students and offered quality information that related to the subjects being taught. This made all of the assignments very easy to complete. All of the staff were very easy to get along with and were very compassionate towards all the students.
Over the next five to ten years I would like to start a family and also have a career in Visual Merchandising for a successful children's wear company.
16 March 2009
My name Kimberley . I am 19 years of age and I live in Melbourne. In 2008 I graduated from the Certificate in Fashion Business.
Studying at the Melbourne School of Fashion enabled me to take my first step into the fashion industry, with no prior fashion experience. I was taught by dedicated lecturers who are still working in their particular fields within the industry. This made me thrive with their wealth of knowledge, experience and willingness to assist with any questions… and trust me I had plenty.
Throughout the year we attended several excursions to places such as the JUST GROUP head office, and KCX + -International. We were also lucky enough to have the Marketing Manager from RUSSH magazine as a guest lecturer, which motivated us to achieve all that we could throughout the course to get to where we want to be.
All of the subjects taught entwined together to produce a Business Plan at the end of the course. Although I must say out of all the subjects, I enjoyed Merchandising and Buying the most.
This course has definitely paid off for me as I originally had no experience, but I left with knowledge of the fashion industry, along with the experience of working in fashion parades, dressing and fitting models for companies such as David Jones and Fashion Exposed thanks to the schools connections.
As for the future I hope to find a job as a Visual Merchandiser.
16 March 2009
My name is Diana . I am 24 years of age and I come from Melbourne. I am currently the store manager of Green with Envy on Flinders Lane.
I began studying at the Melbourne School of Fashion in 2005 and graduated from the Certificate in Fashion Business that same year.
I found the course to be amazing! Having previously been in the industry for 4 years, there was a lot of knowledge that I held, however I was able to grasp and focus on much more information that was new and interesting. The extra knowledge helped in my career advancement and will continue to so for many more years to come.
My absolute favourite subject was Small Business Planning. There was a lot of work but the completed business plan was rewarding. It involved a wonderful creative side but also all the crucial business elements that you need to be able to start your own business.
Being a retail manager meant I also enjoyed the retail procedures section of the course. I was able to broaden my knowledge and apply it in my day to day life.
Whilst undertaking my course I was promoted to Assistant Manager at Green with Envy. Since completing the course I have taken the position of store manager at their new boutique on Flinders Lane.
The course did meet my expectations. There are so many different aspects of the fashion industry and I am now lucky enough to have a snap shot at majority of these.
The next step for me is to hopefully find myself in an area management position. One day I would love to own my own boutique and having completed a course like this has put me in a better position to do so.
6 August 2008
My name is Stacey and I am 21 years old. I grew up in Shepparton and moved to Melbourne to study design at the Melbourne School of Fashion.
I completed Fashion Design in 2007 and enjoyed all aspects of the course. Throughout my 3 years, I was astounded at the broad selection of subjects offered to students. I also found that all of the classes are well structured, informative and up to date with industry practices.
As well as a fantastic course content, all of the lecturers at the school were amazing. The knowledge and expertise passed on by them is priceless and the extra help and support all students receive is invaluable and a credit to the school.
Whilst the creative side of the design subjects was by far my favourite part of the course, surprisingly enough, I found the business module in my final year one of the most rewarding subjects I've undertaken.
Since graduating I have moved to London and am working as a personal stylist for Banana Republic Menswear. This has given me the opportunity to work one on one with high profile clients, build up an international fashion network and put into practice so much of what I learnt in my 3 years at the school.
Studying at the Melbourne School of Fashion gave me not only the knowledge but the confidence to take on this role.
Whilst still unsure of what the future may hold, I hope to further my styling career and continue travelling the world.
22 May 2008
Currently I am living and working in Chicago, Illinois. My job is in sales and marketing for a specialised printing company. I am hoping to move into a marketing position with a fashion company in the next couple of years.
The fashion business course was really well run and the lecturers were not only knowledgeable but had the industry experience to back it up. My favourite topic was marketing (surprised), but I think I learned a lot from buying and writing a business plan. The business plan at the end of the course is great because you really get to write something that you might use someday. Also writing the business plan allows you to really get out there and see what it takes to start up a fashion business.
The course exceeded my expectations and helped me get into the fashion industry. The school is full of great people that are willing to help you out; all you have to do is ask.
Since completing the course I have started to put my own clothing label together with hopes to launch it in the next couple of years. I don't think the world is quite ready for the stuff I am about to show it, but they will be someday.
My one piece of advice to future students is ask questions about everything and get involved in as many things as you can. As a student, people are really willing to help you out and give you a chance.
16 January 2008
My name is Maja . I'm 24 years old, living in Melbourne but originally from Denmark. After working in fashion retail for a year and contemplating the thought of becoming a fashion designer for decades I decided not only to study Fashion Design but to study it abroad. The Melbourne School of Fashion appealed to me and I began studying Fashion Design in 2006.
I was looking for a school which would teach me the theory but also be hands-on, so I could again have a realistic understanding of the fashion industry and better my chances to get a job. The subjects offered at the Melbourne School of Fashion are diverse which means I can choose between different career paths when I graduate.
My favourite subject was Styling and Couture as I enjoyed being able to make more complicated and intricate garments and learn about couture sewing. The fact that my teacher was really knowledgeable, helpful and funny just made stressful days seem so much brighter.
The close relationship between teachers and students has made a huge difference. Because of the small class sizes it is much easier to get help and the teachers are professional and friendly. Being taught by people who work in the industry is interesting and you really get an insight of how it is out in the real world.
During my second year of study I entered the Australasian Wool Awards in Hamilton, winning equal first in Daywear. I was also presented the Melbourne School of Fashion Student of the Year Award, where I won computer software by ‘Fashion Matters’.
Once I complete my third year I hope to get a job in a company where I can develop my skills further.
12 December 2007
My name is Katrina . I am 27 years old and I am originally from Sydney, but have been living in Melbourne for the past two years.
I began studying the Certificate in Fashion Business at the Melbourne School of Fashion in March this year. My main objective for studying was to gain an insight into the fashion industry and to really focus on pursuing my dreams to work as a Buyer.
It has been an adjustment returning to study full time at the ripe age of 27, however, Nagia and the team at Melbourne School of Fashion really made it a smooth and enjoyable transition.
The subjects offered were diverse and very helpful, however it was the Buying, Merchandising and Marketing subjects that I enjoyed the most. Each subject offers a different lecturer that actually works and specialises in that particular field giving you the real insight into the industry. We also had several successful industry guest speakers come to our class and offered us yet more information on how the industry works. This really motivated us to want to succeed.
This course has definitely paid off for me as I have been working in the Buying department at Jeanswest Head Office for the past six months. I really enjoy my position and feel that with both this course and work experience under my belt I will only further advance my career.
Fashion is my passion and this course will arm you with the necessary knowledge to really follow your dreams and become successful in the fashion industry.
17 December 2007
My name is Bridget . I am 21 years of age and have lived in Melbourne my entire life. I commenced Fashion Design at the Melbourne School of Fashion in 2005 and graduated in 2007.
During my time at the Melbourne School of Fashion I have completed all the subjects offered. It's difficult to establish which subjects over the past three years I liked the most because I have enjoyed and learnt a lot from each area, however my passions are Design, Millinery and Styling & Couture.
I have been fortunate enough to be awarded the Student of the Year Award in 2006 and the Artisan Millinery Award in 2007.
The course has surpassed my expectations and in particular the care and attention I was given by the Lecturers which was far more than I expected to receive from a tertiary institution. I will always be grateful to them for their constant encouragement and on-going passion.
My life expectations are to continue to design and inspire others through a ‘Bridget ’ creation. One day I hope to acquire international recognition. For now, I would like to gain experience in the industry. The Melbourne School of Fashion has given me the confidence to apply my knowledge with practical application and pursue my dreams.
I look forward to the future and colouring the fashion industry with my Melbourne School of Fashion influences!
19 December 2007
Hi, I′m Annabel . I am 21 years of age and I′m born and bred in Melbourne. I, began studying at the Melbourne School of Fashion in 2004. I completed the Certificate of Life Drawing & CAD Illustration, the Certificate of Fashion Design and the Certificate of Pattern Making and Garment Construction. I enrolled in these subjects to gain knowledge of the fashion industry and to determine whether it was right for me. Once the year was over, I decided to enroll in Fashion Design.
I have learnt invaluable first hand information from our enthusiastic and experienced (and sometimes wacky!) lecturers who went above the call of duty for us. My favourite subjects would definitely be Fashion Design and Styling and Couture. Fashion Business was also great which provided a good balance for all the creativeness going on!
Whilst at the Melbourne School of Fashion, I was in the Industry Volunteer Program for Mercedes Fashion weeks in Melbourne and Sydney. I also volunteered at a few David Jones fashion festivals.
I completed work experience with 'Gwendolynne', which was my first time working with a top Australian designer. This definitely cemented where I wanted to be within the industry. I also completed work experience at Grab Industries, working with the Product Development team.
By surprise, I won the Attitude Magazine ‘Emerging Talent Award’ at our end of year graduation. This consists of an editorial in their 2008 issue. I am proud to say that I can call myself a fashion designer and that I want to progress further and further in this crazy, competitive industry. As far as the future is concerned, I hope to be inspired and inspire others, travel and work for a recognised fashion company. So, till then!
19 December 2007
My name is Marie . I live in a small country town near Ballarat, Victoria, called Gordon. I am 45 years of age, married with two daughters who are 21 and 23 years old.
I have been a Dental Assistant for my whole career spanning almost 30 years. More recently I have been involved in training and teaching in this area.
I began studying with the Melbourne School of Fashion in 2007 in the Certificate of Pattern Making and Garment Construction. I have thoroughly enjoyed the course so far, as the content provided me with exactly what I was trying to achieve. I therefore have made the decision to enrol in the Certificate of Styling and Couture in 2008.
Sewing has always been a hobby of mine. I have made many garments for my daughters, friends and family without a pattern. I have always wanted to get into this area professionally and this course has helped me in doing that.
I have learnt so much that I can now create many things of my own that I thought not possible. I have also learnt to perfect my work in constructing the garments and understanding working with different fabrics. The teachers, Amanda and Maida were fantastic and have given me so much encouragement for my dream to come true.
I am currently having a studio built at my home where I will then begin marketing myself for made to order Bridal and Formal wear. There is a huge market for this in the surrounding district and word of mouth already has many people waiting for me to get started. I have just completed my first paying job for a wedding consisting of bridesmaids dresses and accessories for the groomsmen which was a challenge, but very successful.
26 November 2007
I am 20 years of age and I come from New Zealand. I commenced my studies in 2007 at the Melbourne School of Fashion. I enrolled in the Certificate of Fashion Design and the Certificate in Fashion Business.
I am a freelance designer and a sales assistant.
I found the quality of both courses exceeded my expectations in various ways. The Certificate of Fashion Business covered a wide range of topics which allowed me to gain skills and expand my knowledge. The various lecturers who specialise in the modules are highly knowledgeable, experienced and always willing to assist their students. Throughout the year we had several guest speakers from industry who were inspirational and motivational; we also participated in trips to industry related events such as Fashion Exposed. In addition, students had the chance to form discussions and debates with one another and with lecturers, which encouraged us to broaden our opinions and views.
The Certificate of Fashion Design was outstanding in developing our creativity. The topics covered in the course ranged from children's wear to street wear to eveningwear. The course was taught by highly talented and successful members of the fashion industry who inspired and motivated their students to reach their full potential. Lecturers shared their passion and experiences with the students and were highly knowledgeable in every topic taught in the course. Overall, I found the course challenging and exciting, allowing the students to experience the reality of the fashion industry. The intimate, friendly environment of the class was very special and all students encouraged and inspired each another to reach their full potential.
One of my favourite topics during this year would have to be Merchandising, which taught me about consumer psychology and allowed me to understand the theory behind shop fit outs and ambience. I enjoyed this topic because it combined creativity with theory.
Another favourite topic was Marketing. I found it very interesting and relevant to all the areas of fashion that I plan to work in, especially if deciding to start my own business.
I also enjoyed the ‘ready-to-wear/street wear’ section. This topic was really challenging as we were able to explore our individual styles. I was amazed and proud to see the unique talents of fellow students.
The Evening Wear topic where we had to develop and enhance our own fabrics was another of my favourites. I really enjoyed experimenting with textiles and being able to be creative in my eveningwear designs.
While studying at the Melbourne School of Fashion, I was offered the opportunity to join a highly respected children's designer clothing company. Currently I work retail hours and I also do design concepts and assist with design development.
After completing the course I hope to spend 2008 gaining experience in several different fields in the fashion industry to expand and develop my personal skills and knowledge. I will be studying part time at the school in 2008 in Computer Aided Design to broaden my qualifications for the future ahead. In the long term, I would like to be working for a New Zealand designer as an assistant, or working for a large chain store company as a visual merchandiser. I am confident that my experience and knowledge gained from the school will be a huge stepping-stone into these careers. I hope that I will be able to continue developing my creativity and to always offer the fashion industry something new and edgy.
31 January 2007
My name is Tabitha . I am 24 years of age and I come from Singapore. I began my studies in 2006 at the Melbourne School of Fashion, studying the Certificate in Fashion Business. I am currently working as a retail assistant for Gorman.
I wanted to arm myself with the fundamental skills necessary for a career in fashion. I particularly like the hands-on approach to fashion education at the Melbourne School of Fashion. While lecturers guide us in theoretical aspects of business management, human resource and report writing, we are given the opportunity to observe the workings of the local industry and interact with fashion professionals.
The subjects offered are diverse and helpful. My favourite subject areas were Merchandising and Buying among others. Taught by dedicated lecturers who work in the particular field, they give a deep insight into the intricacy of the rag trade from a commercial perspective. I now contribute to the Visual Merchandising of the 3 Gorman stores.
With the help of this course and work experience, I hope to successfully attain a buying job with a leading fashion company. In the near future, I'll be interested in trying my hand at a fashion business, spearheading innovative retail concepts in Asia.
20 December 2006
My name is John . I am close to 50 years of age and have been in the fashion industry for over 15 years. My wife Candy and I started our own fashion import business 3 years ago and it has been running successfully. I am originally from Hong Kong but now I reside in Melbourne.
I started the Certificate in Fashion Business at the Melbourne School of Fashion in June 2006. The main objective to starting the course was to take my business to the next level. I plan to finish the course at the end of 2007 as I am studying part-time.
I am happy that I have started studying again, although it is not easy. Most of the subjects taught are interesting and practical, such as Presentation and Communication skills and Creating a Business Plan. The Melbourne School of Fashion has been resourceful as we have visited fashion companies such as Kookai and have attended seminars hosted by leading Australian fashion designers. The business plan is, in particular useful to me, as I am actually working on our own label to be launched in Hong Kong. There are areas that I need to refine when I launch my label in April/May 2007 and the course has so far given me a good understanding of the Fashion Industry.
I have been in love with fashion since I left teaching some 17 years ago. In the long run, once my business is running smoothly, I would like to retire so I could teach and study again. I would love to teach as I would be sharing my experience with the younger generation. I enjoy studying as I like to keep up to date with current developments.
2 February 2007
My name is Natalie . I am 22 years of age. I began my studies in 2006 at the Melbourne School of Fashion, studying the Certificate in Fashion Business and the Certificate of Patternmaking and Garment Construction. At the time I was working as a Customer Service Supervisor at Target Chirnside Park.
I enrolled in the course because I got to choose aspects of the fashion industry that suited my talents and goals. For example. I was not interested in design but I was interested in learning a general overview of the industry and the chance to learn how to make my own garments and be able to make my own patterns.
I enjoyed coming to classes as the lecturers were incredibly understanding, helpful and made each day of studying extremely worthwhile.
I have now accepted a job as a Quality Control Assistant at Icon Clothing. My goals are to work my way up the ladder in a medium to large company while learning everything about the business/industry. The area I want to move in to is the production/manufacturing area which is hopefully where I am heading!
22 February 2007
I live in South Yarra and am 24 years of age. I began studying Fashion Design in 2003. Since completing the course I have successfully started my own label Mayson. Most recently I have been selected to participate in a Ready to Wear show for Australian Fashion Week.
I own my own wholesale fashion business, where I design and do everything else involved in the business. I found most lecturers at MSF good, however some will go above what they are expected to do. I still have a good relationship with some of my lecturers and still see them for advice.
I don't know what expectations I had, coming to the school with no prior knowledge of the fashion industry, but it has given me the knowledge to start my own label. As far as life expectations go, I don't expect anything, but I do hope for happiness and to continue working for myself.
26 March 2007
I am 27 years of age and live in Melbourne. I began studying Fashion Design in 2003. I thought the course content was great, I learnt a lot. Design was my favourite subject.
I am now the Children's Wear Design Assistant at Country Road. I work very closely to the Children's Wear Designer, assisting in developing the range and sketching the specification drawings. I communicate with our agents overseas and the children's wear team about any changes. I gained this employment before I graduated from the Melbourne School of Fashion.
Although while I was studying I wanted to have my own label, I now think that I am happier working for someone else. It is more inspiring and motivating when you are working with lots of creative people around you.
21 May 2007
My name is Steven . I am 25 years of age. I was born in Adelaide, now living in Melbourne and soon moving to LA for further study.
I started the Certificate in Fashion Business, Certificate of Fashion Drawing and Certificate of Life Drawing at the Melbourne School of Fashion in 2006. I am currently screen printing t-shirts and starting up a small business. I work as a stylist with dance groups, local music artists and a small boutique modelling agency. I also enjoy creating drawings which I′m currently submitting to galleries around Melbourne.
I learnt a lot in my drawing classes as Cathy Muhling is an amazing lecturer. She is very kind, approachable and always there to lend a hand! Since completing the course I have had a styling job in Japan for a dance group at a big music industry party. I have also started a fashion illustration style comic book and also a screen printed t-shirt business.
I came into this course having 10 years experience in the Retail Industry. The Certificate in Fashion Business course has complemented my knowledge of the industry.
My life expectations are to work in many areas of the Fashion Industry. These include owning a successful boutique clothing line, becoming an acclaimed artist and becoming a stylist to the stars!