You graduated from Raffles College of Design and Commerce in 2014. How did your education there provide a basis for your career?
My education at Raffles provided me with all the production, business and design skills I needed, not only to obtain a full-time job in the industry, but to also start my own label.
What can you tell us about De La Motte, the label you founded last year?
As part of the Raffles International Showcase at MBFWA15, I was invited to show a collection. It was suggested that I have a go at menswear, and I ended up loving it more than womenswear! That was my debut collection and the birth of my label.
What else inspires your work?
I am inspired by my surroundings, environments, memories and feelings, as well as modern and classic artists and music.
Did your time at Raffles encourage you to specialise in a certain area, or did you get more of an all-round education?
The good thing about the fashion design course at Raffles is that it gives you basic skills in all areas, allowing its students to see which areas best fit their creative style. It also offers electives that enable you to tailor the course to your needs.
What advice would you give to young or prospective students about making the most of their design education?
Be open to put in hours to internships. I can’t express how crucial it is to transfer your skills from the classroom to a professional studio. It not only helps you grow as a designer, it opens your eyes to different roles and departments within the fashion industry.
Raffles College of Design and Commerce, 1-3 Fitzwilliam St, Parramatta.
To enquire or apply head toraffles.edu.au.
