“Ballarat holds its small town value of hard work but has also grown significantly in culture and art since I was born, more than 20 years ago. While I still think we have a ways to go, this city is full of incredible people willing to support local, and slowly but surely I see this actively happening in the everyday choices Ballarat people make.
What did you weigh up when making the decision to study in Melbourne?
“I chose not to relocate to Melbourne for my studies. I commuted throughout uni and continue to do so. Nowadays, I feel like public transport from Ballarat to Melbourne is wonderful and my commute to Collingwood most days wasn’t much longer than my classmates who lived in outer Melbourne. Weighing this commute against the cost of living crisis (and how much cheaper living in my hometown would be) was a no brainer. I learnt to really love the commute and having that time to do my written assignment work is probably one of the reasons I graduated with a 7.0 GPA.”
What drew you to study at LCI Melbourne?
“The main thing that drew me to LCI was seeing how their approach to study was so individual, no one was treated as just a number but as individuals with unique approaches to design. It was inspiring to see that most of the mentors were so genuinely passionate about teaching in their desired field. And having the opportunity to do classes outside of my chosen major really gave me a rounded thought process to what ‘design’ is and why it’s important in our world today.”
What are the upsides and challenges of staying in Ballarat post-graduation?
“In a lot of ways I feel staying in Ballarat has helped my profession. With lower overheads, I’m able to have my studio here out of my home and not having everyday access to fabric stores forces me to plan ahead and buy more sustainably. What I do think living here hinders me is the networking connections: not because they’re lacking in Ballarat, but more so because non-regional creators misunderstand the city. Being in the Melbourne design scene is always a pleasure but I do feel where I often miss out is others making the choice for me that Ballarat is ‘just too far’.”
Do you draw on regional themes, landscapes, or values in your creative work?
“As I write this I’m sitting in my Turkish friend's recently opened cafe, in the heart of the Bridge Mall as the sun shines and the monthly farmers market busily bustles outside. There's live music and laughter and the smells of incredible food from all different backgrounds of people. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel all over the world and live in several different countries, but sitting here I realise this is the Ballarat that always draws me back. I always hope to represent my town through my work: small but mighty, kind and resilient. I’m currently dreaming up several long term projects to work alongside other Ballarat creatives to build our artistic connections and community further.”
Your work uses ethical materials. What drives that?
“While I believe that humans were never meant to have access to the sheer amount of information we now hold in our hands everyday, how can we ignore it?... I’m putting my foot down, I refuse to create more waste, I refuse to create without intention and any chance I get I hope to help educate and provide the tools to help others do the same.”
Your graduate collection was very personal. What was the inspiration?
“My graduate collection, “Oh, you just need to moisturise” (titled from direct unwarranted quotes from others), explores the oversimplification of chronic skin conditions and how they're often dismissed—especially within the context of societal beauty standards that prioritise flawless skin.
“Drawing from my own experience with eczema, I wanted to highlight how those with visible conditions are made to feel ‘less than’, and how that dismissal is compounded for women navigating the medical system, where pain and symptoms are often minimised. The creation process was deeply personal, involving research, diary entries, and tactile experimentation to express discomfort, resilience, and the quiet power of living with what others overlook.”
How did the seaweed-based fabric concept come about?
“This actually came from a project I did quite early on at LCI. I was researching biodegradable fabrics and came across a Spanish company that creates a seaweed based fabric. While I was originally researching this for the overall positive planet impact, what really drew me in was the research into how this textile is potentially helping restore skin health to those wearing it. Imagine being able to relieve the constant irritation of your skin everyday simply by wearing clothes!?”
What was it like showing your work at major fashion festivals?
“It was definitely a surreal experience but also incredibly validating and humbling. It helped me realise my work really could have an impact beyond the studio. Being involved in events like this, really opened my eyes to the amount of knowledge I had gained in ethical and sustainable clothing practices - and also to how few people share this understanding. It reinvigorated my passion for growing my knowledge and re-imparting it to create positive change.”
With blockbuster fashion exhibitions regularly appearing in galleries around Australia and the world, how do you feel about fashion being elevated to the gallery?
“I think it’s a positive shift. Fashion has always been more than clothing, it reflects identity, politics, history, and emotion. Seeing it in a gallery setting invites people to slow down, engage critically, and appreciate the craftsmanship and narrative behind each piece. It also creates space for designers to be seen as artists, which feels especially important when work is deeply personal or socially engaged. And at the end of the day (unless you’re a full time nudist) EVERYONE is involved in the fashion industry whether you like it or not! You have a direct impact and I think this can be more easily recognised when expressed as an artform.
Where do you see your practice heading next?
“I’m currently searching for a job in the industry while also working towards launching my own brand: I want this brand to focus on the happiness that creation brings me and those who get to wear or witness it. Watch this space.”
What would you say to other young creatives from regional areas?
“Get out and explore the world, meet all different kinds of people and treat them with kindness, listen to what they need, remember your roots and then allow that to influence how you design with purpose.”
