Stepping out
Leaving college is daunting for most students. Jill Pullen talks with a former and current fashion design student from Sydney's
FBI Fashion College about their plans for the future.
Despite the Australian fashion industry becoming more and more competitive, it is safe to say that today's students aren't afraid of daunting world that lies before them.
Whilst some students may shy away from immediately stepping out into the industry seeking to design their own collections, others are rising to the challenge.
Luke Scott is one such person who, having graduated from FBI Fashion College with a Certificate IV in Fashion Design and Industry Practices two months ago, has already taken up a position with fashion retailer Sportscraft.
"For as long as I can remember I have been interested in fashion. I just see it as such a versatile and fascinating aspect of everyday life. It is something that will continue to grow and change at such a rapid pace which is so exciting."
Currently employed as a menswear design assistant, Scott was offered the position after completing a three month internship with the company.
"The best thing about the college is that that staff go so far out of their way to organise work experience programs for each student. Getting experience in the industry is so vital, I mean you never know where it might lead."
Throughout the duration of his one year course, Scott completed a range of subjects including the history of fashion, illustration, garment construction and fashion design concepts. Throw into the mix an intensive work experience program and it was nothing short of a hectic year. However, having secured a full-time position prior to graduation, Scott says the transition from college into the fashion industry was far from hectic and scary as many may think.
"It wasn't daunting at all...In one year I had gone from being relatively inexperienced to producing every aspect of an entire range so it has been very exciting."
Looking up to the designers behind rapidly expanding denimwear label Tsubi, Scott one day hopes to enjoy a similar success with his own fashion label.
"The Tsubi boys were in a very similar situation to what I am in today, but they just came up with a plan and run with it and have had massive success."
"My master plan is to have my own label one day...but for the next few years I just plan on gaining as much knowledge and experience as possible."
Jayne Leslie has always had a passion for everything fashion.
As a young child, Leslie grew up sketching designs, dreaming that one day she would be a successful fashion designer.
Having graduated in December 2003 with Certificate IV in Fashion Design from FBI Fashion College, Leslie went on to work with designer Alice McCall for 12 months as production manager before stepping out to start her own women's fashion label dubbed Sumakhi.
"I think I am lucky to have found such a clear path in life. I love everything about what I do...I have such a hyper-active personality so having my own fashion label allows me to unleash some of my passion onto the world in the form of fashion."
Having completed a series of internships while she was studying, Leslie says the transition into a full-time career was smoother than expected, having learnt early on that long hours were required to put together and market a collection.
"A lot of people have the perception that the fashion industry is all glitz and glamour. While my lifestyle is fairly flexible and I have a lot of fun with my team pulling each collection together, we really do slog it out to make the business a success."
The label, which was launched onto the market in May last year, is targeted at women aged 15 to 35 and features a bright range of vintage style sundresses, skinny leg jeans, cut-away tops and cropped cardigans. Fabrics used range from silk and cotton through to washed demin and soft viscoe jerseys.
Sunakhi is stocked in 15 boutiques around Australia including Tuchuzy in Sydney, Rosemin in Melbourne and Bille & Rose in Perth.
Leslie is currently preparing her third season collection and working on raising the profile of the label, having recently hired public relations agency KU Enterprises to further promote the label. Looking further down the track, Leslie hopes to build a cult following for Sumakhi and eventually break into the international market.
She cites difficulty in financial backing for her collection as one of the least enjoyable aspects of the industry, but remains committed to keeping her dream alive.
"I have been blessed with the support of some amazing people who have believed in my business from the beginning. Every success I have with Sumakhi makes the struggle worthwhile...I believe that if you have the passion behind the vision you can make anything happen."