Emerging into the flourishing landscape of fashion and costume design, these graduates are shaping the future of local creation with the guidance of their TAFE SA industry predecessors
With each piece of design knowledge that is passed from one visionary to another, the creative state of South Australia continues to grow, paving a path forward with vigour and excitement. From pattern making, design principles, and garment construction, to industry contacts and insider insights, the lecturers at TAFE SA have proven themselves ready over and again, to empower the next generation as they transform ideas into inspired garments. Without further ado, we introduce to you a fresh cohort of designers, celebrating individuality, innovation, and South Australia’s vibrant creative identity.
SARAH HEASLIP
Describe your aesthetic
I like to describe my aesthetic as dramatic and a bit chaotic. I think that probably shows in my final year collection. I love ruffles, lace trims, and florals. I take a lot of inspiration from op shop quilts and curtains and design from there.
How did your studies at TAFE SA prepare you for a career in the fashion design industry?
I cannot explain just how helpful the lecturers at TAFE SA were in preparing us for working in the industry. I recently received the opportunity to move to Sydney for a design assistant role and I felt so confident going in, from the knowledge I had gained at TAFE. Obviously, I have learnt a lot in my role since then – as in any job, but I am so grateful for the skills I built at TAFE from the exceptional lecturers – they have so many years of experience and knowledge to share. We learned everything from sewing to designing, I even did a stint in Greek Mythology there for second. I think a great example of their teaching is on my first day at TAFE I thought the sewing machines were way too fast – I literally could not handle it. And my last few days at TAFE (right before the deadline) I’m thinking – it would be nice if this machine would go faster.
What did you learn at TAFE SA that you use in your everyday?
CADing is the skill I use the most in the industry that I learned at TAFE. Learning how to pattern make and sew also really helps when designing.
What designers are you inspired by and why?
I am inspired by Brittney Saunders who owns Fayt the Label; I love her marketing and how she positions her brand. I also love Sammy Robinson who owns One Mile, because she’s a tall girl too haha. I like the idea of building my personal brand and then hopefully turning that into my business one day.
What are your career aspirations?
My dream is to create my own business that has a huge focus on sustainability. Completely upcycled pieces, and zero waste. I’ll let you know how it goes. Thank you for asking!
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 so exciting to be part of the South Australian fashion scene. I am so proud to be South Aussie. I love how we are ‘up and coming’ and I think the SA designers are bringing a fresh look to fashion with new ideas. Great examples are bübish and Aston Studio. Supporting local is so important and I love that we have brands bringing more opportunity to SA.
SOPHIE WEHR
Describe your aesthetic
My aesthetic is drawn from my personal connection between fashion and accounting. Whilst the corporate silhouette seems quite bland at face value, I love the intricacy and detail of each garment. The craftsmanship/tailoring in each piece is admirable and I love an outfit that says more through the silhouette than the colour. When you can see the level of attention a designer has given to a piece to add small details that some consumers could miss, I find that very inspiring and interesting.
How did your studies at TAFE SA prepare you for a career in the fashion design industry?
The fashion program at TAFE SA is honestly such a well-rounded degree. It covers so many facets of the industry to ensure that no student is pigeonholed into one area. It’s such a broad career path in the beginning before you workout your strengths and weaknesses or likes and dislikes. TAFE SA ensures that every student is equipped regardless of which direction they choose to head. I am so grateful for everything the lecturers taught me along the way.
What did you learn at TAFE SA that you use in your everyday?
One of the key parts of fashion that a lot of people skip over is that you need to fully understand the ins and outs of constructing a garment in order to be a better designer. TAFE SA was critical in this, they taught me everything about pattern making, garment fit, construction, quality finishes, and so much more. Whilst these skills aren’t being physically used every day, they have significant influence on why and how a garment is designed.
What designers are you inspired by and why?
Whilst completing my studies at TAFE SA, a lot of my inspiration was drawn from Schiaparelli. I am always in awe of every piece they create. They embody everything that I love about fashion – quality, design, detail, pushing the boundaries on standard silhouettes, etc. Outside of that, I would say I’m less inspired by brands and more inspired by creators who making their own garments, as a I feel there is so much more to learn from their experimentation, design, and process.
What are your career aspirations?
I am currently working at Aston Studio – which is an incredible Adelaide-based brand. My career aspiration is to simply add quality wherever I go. As a brand and personally, there has been so much growth over the past year and I believe there is so much room in the future to continue to add quality and improve. Hopefully, as an individual, I can play a role in that and be a part of the big picture.
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?
Whilst the SA fashion scene is quite small, there is a large sense of community. The ability to collaborate and share resources amongst each other creates a unique ecosystem where creativity isn’t diluted by trying to ‘fit in’ with the larger markets. There is a lot more control over the identity of the brand, allowing designers to be more intentional and thoughtful with each product, ensuring the customer is front and centre in the design process.
TRINI LEE
Describe your aesthetic
I absolutely adore ballet and how soft and feminine the costumes are. I also have deep admiration for historical fashion, particularly the intricate details and opulence that go into crafting each layer of an outfit. My final collection was inspired by the ballet Giselle, first performed in the 1800s (Victorian era). It was a perfect blend of my love for both ballet and historical fashion.
How did your studies at TAFE SA prepare you for a career in the costume design industry?
Before studying the degree, I had no knowledge of pattern making and basic sewing skills. However, TAFE SA provided me with practical learning, which gave me confidence in my skills when I started in the industry. This included pattern making garments from scratch and altering existing costumes. Time management is also crucial in this industry, as the film industry operates on a tight schedule with strict deadlines.
What did you learn at TAFE SA that you use in your everyday?
One key thing I learned at TAFE SA thatI use every day is problem-solving – from quickly stitching or repairing costumes on set or backstage, tackling trickier alterations, or taping a collar down so it doesn’t move during each take. Communication is also an imperative skill in this industry, as you need to work collaboratively with your team, but also cohesively with other departments.
What designers are you inspired by and why?
When I first decided I wanted to study costume design, I had watched Breakfast at Tiffany’s in a film class and fell in love with the costumes. The unique blend of fashion in the costume industry drew me to pursue a career in it. A costume designer I am inspired by is Edith Head. She designed many contemporary looks (of the time) for movies, including Audrey Hepburn’s iconic little black dress in Sabrina, Grace Kelly’s A-line number in Rear Window, and Hedy Lamarr’s peacock gown in Samson and Delilah.
What are your career aspirations?
For right now, I am quite content working as a costume standby onset in film and TV. While the hours are demanding, it is very rewarding. With the projects I have worked on, I have been able to work in pre-production where I have made costumes from scratch, and to see them come to life on screen is quite special. I am very fortunate and grateful for the opportunity to work in the screen industry and theatre, which is a result of the connections I made through TAFE SA.
It is an exciting time to be part of the South Australian performing arts scene – what do you think sets local designers apart from those seen nationally and internationally?
The arts industry in South Australia is thriving. There is a large thrift and vintage community to source from, as well as a vibrant arts scene with numerous festivals throughout the year and many musicals performed in our theatres. Adelaide’s small size allows these events to bring the city together.
Dreaming of a future in fashion or costume design?
Whether you want to unleash your creativity as a designer or master the technical skills of pattern making and garment construction, TAFE SA has the course to make it happen. TAFE SA’s courses offer pathways into the industry or to a bachelor’s degree in partnership with Flinders University. You will learn and work in specialist design studios and workshops, which mirror real-world environments, so you graduate job ready. With a focus on hands-on training in pattern making, digital design and garment construction – plus insights into the business side of fashion, and the performing arts industry, you’ll gain the practical skill employers are looking for.
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 for 2026 are now open.
For more information, visit tafesa.edu.au/fashion
South Australian Style Magazine 