LCI Melbourne is proud to announce that Athanasia Vlassopoulos, Senior Fashionmai Technician and Technical Lead in the Fashion & Costume department, has been awarded the 2026 LCI Education Teaching Excellence Award.
The award was presented on 25 May 2026 at LCI Melbourne’s Staff Professional Learning Day by Director of Studies Kate Medved, in front of the full staff community. Nasia received a certificate of excellence and a letter of congratulations from Dr Jamie Kemp and Elana Cooperberg, Co-Chairs of the LCI Global Academic Committee, who wrote that Nasia is “a source of inspiration for students — whether you are encouraging them to innovate, motivating them to set out, or helping them open up to the world.”
Nasia’s nomination, put forward by Darran Arabin-Gander, Head of Fashion & Costume, highlighted her exceptional impact on student outcomes and the technical standard of the program. Under her mentorship, eight students showcased their work at Melbourne Fashion Week, and five were selected as national finalists at the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival — results that reflect the strength of technical education at LCI Melbourne.
Presenting the award, Kate Medved spoke to the qualities that set Nasia apart:
“She builds in students not just skill, but confidence, resilience, and pride in their craft. Thank you, Nasia — for your craft, your generosity, and the standard you hold for our students and for all of us.”
Beyond these achievements, Nasia is recognised for the culture of excellence she fosters within the department. Her expertise in patternmaking, garment construction, and finishing challenges students to deliver work that is both conceptually rigorous and technically resolved. Colleagues describe her as calm under pressure, solutions-focused, and deeply committed to every student’s growth.
Her contribution extends well beyond the classroom. From fashion promotional shoots to high-profile runway presentations and the Australian Fashion Awards, Nasia is consistently hands-on — problem-solving, refining, and elevating outcomes at every stage. Her willingness to go above and beyond, often contributing beyond contracted hours, exemplifies the dedication and generosity that this award is designed to celebrate.
On behalf of the entire LCI Melbourne community, congratulations to Nasia Vlassopoulos — a truly outstanding educator whose standards, commitment, and leadership continue to shape the next generation of fashion professionals.