For over 60 years, TAFE NSW Fashion Design Studio (FDS) has produced some of the biggest names in the Australian Fashion Industry. This year, six of the top performing graduates from the Bachelor of Fashion Design will launch their collections on the catwalk at The Innovators show as part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia (MBFWA).

Greystanes local, George Habibeh is one of six TAFE NSW graduates who will showcase their resort collection in The Innovators show on Monday 13 May.

George Habibeh, has a passion for fashion and has launched his own brand focusing on intricate hand embellishments for eveningwear, social dressing and bridal gowns. Labelled as the next Steven Khalil bridal powerhouse, the local couturier uses fine fabrics and trims from around the world designed with the contemporary woman in mind.

After finishing high school, George was faced with the decision of whether to study medical science or follow his dream of dressing influential and iconic women in his own couture label.

“From a young age, I learned how to alter garments by watching tutorials on YouTube and got a lot of inspiration for my garmets from these tutorials. My family have been very supportive and even helped me set up my own workshop at home.

“I love the atmosphere and the learning environment at TAFE NSW. During my time, I’ve secured invaluable hands-on practical experience by travelling to some of the fashion hotspots such as Paris, London, India, China and Hong Kong. Attending trade shows, fabric markets and workshops around the world has really helped me develop the originality of my designs,” said Mr Habibeh.

The Graduate Show, now in its 21st year, has earned a reputation for being one of the week’s “hottest shows,” and is an important launch pad for emerging Australian fashion designers both locally and internationally. With a list of alumni that reads like a ‘who’s who’ of Australian fashion, the TAFE NSW Fashion Design studio is a fashion school of excellence. Consistently ranked in the top 30 fashion design schools worldwide, TAFE NSW has over 60 years of experience in educating fashion industry professionals.

The Bachelor of Fashion Design is a degree like no other. Internationally recognised, the degree gives students the start they need to pursue a career across all facets of the international fashion industry. Graduates of the program are highly sought after, not only because of their creativity and innovation, but because they possess the necessary technical and job ready skills required by industry.

TAFE NSW Fashion Design Teacher, Alexander Zehntner said George was a focussed and high-achieving student who was on-track for success.

“George has displayed initiative and maturity beyond his years while studying at TAFE NSW, sourcing the most luxurious fabrics and collaborating with a traditional artisan to create beautiful original couture garments.

“George is the perfect example of students coming to TAFE NSW to get the skills they need to start their own business,” said Mr Zehntner.

As the only fashion school in Australia to present graduate collections at MBFWA, TAFE NSW is proud to introduce the new generation of creative fashion designers to industry.

Many of the designers will go on to work for leading international labels, with past alumni heading to the likes of Dion Lee, Nicky Zimmermann, Genevieve Smart, Luke Sales and Anna Plunket, Ainsley Hansen, Karla Špetić, Gary Bigeni, Bianca Spender and Christopher Esber.

Media contact: Laura Kelly, TAFE NSW Media & Communications Business Partner, 0411 777 676 or laura.kelly40@tafensw.edu.au