These tenacious TAFE SA Fashion grads, inspired by a burgeoning industry and the successful alumni who have come before them, are striding ahead, one seam at a time.

South Australia continues to produce some of the best in fashion nationwide. Some of our state’s most talented designers started their careers at TAFE SA, learning the technical aspects of garment design and creation from skilled and experienced teachers, who have themselves also enjoyed rewarding careers in fashion.

These days there’s a new cohort of graduates opening doors and kick- starting careers. With inherent design capabilities and unfaltering vision, these four are ones to watch.

Emma Cherry

Describe your aesthetic.

I would best describe my aesthetic as relaxed, with a focus on subtle and elevated design details to give a modern and contemporary feel. I love versatility in design, pieces that are timeless, can be styled back with existing outfits, and that don’t age!

How did your studies at TAFE SA prepare you for a career in the fashion industry?

TAFE SA prepare their students with both a hands on, tactile learning approach and experience of industry expectation, allowing you to gain a deep understanding of what day-to-day would look like in
a somewhat competitive field. The lecturers had all worked in the industry prior to educating, and could directly pass on their knowledge and skills, so it felt like work experience as well as study. At the time (12 years ago!) it was a rigorous three-year course, and we worked hard!

What did you learn at TAFE SA that you use in your every day?

There are many things, but I definitely learnt how to be a master ironer, which is an underrated skill that I use most days! Pattern making is also a skill I use in my role as a designer [Emma is senior fashion designer for South Australian label ORTC Clothing Co.] I use these skills daily – you could have the most creative design ideas, but it is imperative to understand how a garment comes together and functions before sending off the concept to our supply partners.

What designers are you inspired by and why?

The Row is number one. I love that they keep their aesthetic and style so consistent and true to their vision without adhering to trends. There’s an element of androgyny in some pieces and just such an effortless vibe about them! Victoria Beckham again is an amazing designer. There’s an everyday element to her collections, but then juxtaposed with bold, sophisticated eveningwear too. Alongside these more classic brands, however, I also love playful designers like Johanna Ortiz – her prints are always on point for me!

What are your career aspirations?

I am so proud to be back in Adelaide after working interstate for some years and I want to continue my career as senior designer at ORTC. I would love to study graphic design as the two really go hand in hand. I never want to stop learning – even after more than a decade I am still constantly absorbing new methods and ways of working within different brands.

It is an exciting time to be part of the South Australian fashion scene – what do you think sets local designers apart from those seen nationally and internationally?

It is such an exciting time, with so much recent growth and so much positivity around it! I really think that Australians in general have such a unique design style, which is easily identifiable globally and echoes our lifestyle. Locally, South Australians in fashion have a modest and supportive presence. We share our knowledge and experience with our peers, we support where we can, and this in turn creates
a wholesome and encouraging fashion community.

Brooke Reynolds

Describe your aesthetic.

I have always loved dressing up. Feeling confident in my clothes lifts my mood and makes me feel good. I love the idea that clothing has power, that putting on a favourite outfit can change the way you feel and positively impact your day. Through my label, Obsidian House, I want to encourage and share a love for getting dressed up.

My aesthetic is old school glamour, floor sweeping lengths, skirts that swish, silky soft textures, dramatic shapes, and I will forever love a split.

How did your studies at TAFE SA prepare you for a career in
the fashion industry?

Entering the course as a mature aged student, my expectations were probably different from the other students. I already had a career in fashion, having worked as a buyer interstate and overseas, but lacked the practical skills of garment making. TAFE SA prepared me for a career in Adelaide by providing me with a broader skill set and the opportunities to meet and gain local industry contacts.

What did you learn at TAFE SA that you use in your every day?

I would love to say that I whip up couture bodices every day – something I did learn how to do at TAFE SA! But honestly, the most useful thing I learnt that I genuinely use every day is effective time management. I have two young kids and time management was key while studying and continues to be vital now that I am working.

My hours at TAFE SA were precious and fitting as much into those days, prioritising across multiple ongoing projects and ensuring it all got handed in on time was a skill that improved over time. My working hours are valuable and the ability to prioritise workloads, create efficient and accurate timelines, and importantly knowing when to take a break to avoid making mistakes or burning out, are skills I use every day.

What designers are you inspired by and why?

I was fortunate enough to have Abby Potter [House of Campbell]
as one of my lecturers at TAFE SA. It was amazing to be able to hear Abby talk about how she started her brand and to learn from someone who was currently running their own label. Abby is inspiring for both her creativity and business acumen, and it has been amazing to see the growth of her brand; I am a huge fan of her tulle pieces. I have also been fascinated with Alexander McQueen for as long as I can remember. I loved the dark and macabre collections in the early years that just seemed so strikingly different from any fashion I had experienced before. I was able to attend the Alexander McQueen exhibition at the NGV and see the detail of design up close.

What are your career aspirations?

This is a tricky one because I feel like my career aspirations are constantly evolving. When I started at TAFE SA my goal was to learn to sew and build on my practical skills having come from the business side of the industry. I have come out with a lot more than just the ability to sew and, to be honest, I am still figuring out where I want this knowledge to take me. I do know that I love designing, I love the industry, and I will always crave creating in some capacity.

It is an exciting time to be part of the South Australian fashion scene – what do you think sets local designers apart from those seen nationally and internationally?

I think a sense of necessity helps to set SA designers apart. While we are certainly growing, we don’t yet have many big fashion houses or design offices in Adelaide and that drives designers to get creative and carve out their own space. There is a lot of amazing talent in SA and more people are choosing to stay and create the career and environment they want. I feel that South Australia has the unique ability to be both big and small. We have internationally acclaimed designers and yet maintain the space to grow and support new talent.

Mackensize Johnson

Describe your aesthetic.

My graduate collection, What We Treasure, embodies my experience growing up in country South Australia through embellishment and artistry. The styles are flattering and chic, but with youthful quirks and vintage influence.

How did your studies at TAFE SA prepare you for a career in the fashion industry?

Earlier this year, I started in my first fashion role at local brand Kinney. As the Design and Production Assistant I need an understanding of fabrics, garment construction and CAD programs, which I learnt at TAFE SA.

What did you learn at TAFE SA that you use in your every day?

I think the craft of making clothing is such a valuable skill to have, and something that I will use for the rest of my life. I love being able to whip-up an outfit for an event or re-create the beloved shirt that I’ve worn to death.

What designers are you inspired by and why?

I’m inspired by designers who are passionate about their craft and take pride in the garments they create. I am also inspired by brands that experiment and have fun, such as Viktor&Rolf, Loewe and Bode.

What are your career aspirations?

My dream job would be to work for an ethical fashion brand, in a collaborative team and with lots of creative freedom. I’m open to exploring different pathways within the fashion industry and seeing where they take me.

It is an exciting time to be part of the South Australian fashion scene – what do you think sets local designers apart from those seen nationally and internationally?

There is a really supportive community here in South Australia. Everyone makes an effort to collaborate with local artisans, such as patternmakers, machinists, photographers, and artists. This sense of community is what defines us.

Zoe Kao

Describe your aesthetic.

I appreciate beauty in the clash of binary elements and the chemistry it brings to life. In my Distant Planet collection, the works highlight the aesthetic of interpreting the nature in a sculptural and architectural approach. It is the chemistry created by soft and light textiles (feminine) and structural silhouettes (masculine). Art, colour collage and couture detailings add uniqueness to my aesthetic and voice.

How did your studies at TAFE SA prepare you for a career in the fashion industry?

From fabrication, design principles and pattern- making to hands-on garment construction, TAFE SA provided me with a foundation to grow and dream about what I want to achieve in fashion. It also equipped me with transferable industry skills.

What did you learn at TAFE SA that you use in your every day?

I would say it is a whole package. I am planning to have my own label one day and everything I have learnt will help me get there.

What designers are you inspired by and why?

I am fascinated by shapes and textures of garments and by innovative ideas and creativities. Alexander McQueen, Iris van Herpen and Issey Miyake have inspired me not only with their aesthetics and imagination, but also their innovations and avant garde approaches. McQueen’s original blend of subversion and tradition; Herpen’s sensational 3D printing in textile and sculptural-like art pieces; and Miyake’s unique application of colour and shapes have encouraged me not to set a limitation, but to think outside of the box and be true to my vision.

What are your career aspirations?

I would like to work with local designers and brands to learn more about industry practices, especially in sustainability, and I would definitely like to launch my own label one day.

It is an exciting time to be part of the South Australian fashion scene – what do you think sets local designers apart from those seen nationally and internationally?

There are quite a few local designers and brands who factor sustainability into their design and production processes. Sustainability is essential for the future of fashion, and I think this will set local designers apart from the rest.

Get Involved

Whether you want to unleash your creativity as a designer or pursue a more technical job in patternmaking or garment construction, TAFE SA has a course for you.

TAFE SA’s fashion courses offer pathways into the industry or to a bachelor’s degree in partnership with Flinders University. Students learn and work in specialist design studios and workshops, which replicate the real-world ensuring students are job ready when they graduate.

The courses are hands-on and focus on developing practical skills in patternmaking, digital design and garment construction, as well as learning about the business side of the fashion industry.

Courses include:

-Certificate III in Apparel, Fashion and Textiles (MST31022)
-Diploma of Apparel, Fashion and Textiles (MST50122)
-Bachelor of Creative Arts (Fashion), delivered in partnership with Flinders University
-Bachelor of Creative Arts (Costume Design), delivered in partnership with Flinders University

Applications fo 2025 are now open. For more information, visit tafesa.edu.au/fashion

Photography by Gretl Watson-Blazewicz // Styling by Cristina Tridente // Creative Direction by Laura Mappas // HMUA by Armani Phillips and Belinda Oliver from ORBE // Talent is Emily Goble-Halleday from The Models.