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    TAFE NSW Fashion Design Studio (FDS)

    A woman with a full arm tattoo sits at a table, working at a sewing machine. A measuring tape is draped around her neck, she appears focused and showcases careful craftsmanship. She is stitching a dark green fabric with a dragonfly print. Scissors and sewing tools are nearby, emphasising the detail-oriented nature of the work.

    Fashion Design Studio (FDS) opened in 1955 and has grown to become a leading design institution. It is one of the top-ranked fashion design schools in the world and partners with TAFE NSW.

    Paving the way in design

    Widely recognised internationally, the Fashion Design Studio (FDS) boasts alumni such as:

    • Dion Lee
    • Nicky Zimmermann
    • Akira Isogawa
    • Alex Perry
    • Bianca Spender

    The FDS is the only fashion school in Australia to be invited to participate in one of the most important calendar dates for the industry, Australian Fashion Week.

    If you’re an aspiring fashion designer keen to develop your skills and launch a successful career in the industry, enrol in a FDS course.

    Find a course

    Courses offered at Fasion Design Studio

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    Bachelor of Fashion Design

    The Bachelor of Fashion Design is a three-year program. You’ll refine your artistic and creative style, gain global perspective, complete work placements and showcase a final collection.

    A young man is pointing to some fashion design sketches that are pinned up on the wall. He is speaking to someone and is smiling. He is wearing a leather jacket, grey t-shirt, a cap and some bold-framed glasses.

    Diploma of Fashion

    In the Diploma of Fashion you will learn about textiles, design, illustration, branding and marketing. Gain practical and theoretical experience and apply creative design principles to the fashion industry.

    A young woman is sitting in a design studio at a desk. There are reams and swatches of fabric behind her. She is wearing a brown, long-sleeved shirt and looks to be concentrating or listening intently.

    Certificate IV in Design (Fashion Design)

    The Certificate IV in Design will help you prepare you for a role as a junior design assistant. You will learn market-specific design concepts and present your brand proposal to an industry panel.

    A woman sits at a desk working on some fashion design sketches. There are designs pinned up on the wall behind her, and an art easel is in front to her left. There is a mannequin on her right side with a measuring tape draped over it.

    Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (Fashion Design)

    The Certificate III in Design Fundamentals (Fashion Design) builds foundational skills covering illustration and colour theory, technical production sketches and Computer Aided Design.

    Meet our teachers

    Black and white headshot of Andrea Cainero, smiling.

    Andrea Cainero

    Co-head of School, The Fashion Design Studio TAFE NSW
    Andrea has over 17 years' experience in the fashion industry and runs her own label, costume design and styling business. As an award-winning milliner, she brings a keen eye for detail and an adaptable, design-solutions approach to her classes.
    Black and white headshot of Holly Siles, smiling.

    Holly Siles

    Teacher Fashion Design
    Holly has worked as a designer in the fashion industry for over 18 years. She brings extensive experience and deep industry knowledge to the classroom. Holly has won numerous awards throughout her career.
    Black and white headshot of Laura Washington, smiling.

    Laura Washington

    Co-head of School, The Fashion Design Studio TAFE NSW
    Laura is the head teacher at FDS. She has enjoyed a varied career in the fashion industry. She is passionate about sustainable design strategies that span social, ethical and economic fashion issues.

    Meet our students

    Black and white headshot of Akira Isogawa.

    Akira Isogawa

    Akira Isogawa is one of Australia’s most iconic designers. With multiple awards to his name, Akira is known for his contemporary designs and his significant contribution to the Australian fashion industry.
    Black and white headshot of Alex Perry, smiling.

    Alex Perry

    Alex Perry began his fashion journey by studying at TAFE NSW before launching his first atelier. He is an established icon of design excellence and synonymous with creativity and elegance, globally.
    Black and white headshot of Nicky Zimmermann, smiling.

    Nicky Zimmermann

    The award-winning Zimmerman brand has propelled to international success. Nicky has been a member of the Australian Fashion Week Advisory Board and a founding board member of the Australian Fashion Chamber.

    Fashion Design Studio

    Launch your career in fashion design guided by the expertise and innovation of the Fashion Design Studio at TAFE NSW.

    Get in touch to explore our courses and take the first step toward becoming a leader in the fashion industry.

    Email us
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