graduate testimonials

Daniel Avakian

As strange as it may sound Daniel Avakian was a tow truck driver before deciding to pursue a career in fashion. After watching an Italian film about an orphaned tailor, Daniel enrolled into the fashion design program at the Whitehouse Institute of Design in Sydney, Australia.

"My time studying Fashion at the Whitehouse Institute of Design has been the most exciting and rewarding time of my life. The Institute harbours immense creative energy, which is essential for allowing all students the ability to express their artistic flair in design.
The knowledge and skills I have gained over the past three years has been phenomenal. The experience has broadened my imagination and views on design, giving me the freedom to develop and nourish my character both as a person and a designer."

Peta Portelli 

When I came to Whitehouse, I was 16 years of age. I left school early to pursue my life long dream to become a Fashion Designer. Although to not complete my HSC was considered risky by my family and friends, I believed in myself and have worked hard and been determined to fulfil my dream. Studying at Whitehouse is not for the feint hearted, nor is Fashion Design just about liking clothes and following fashion trends; Whitehouse prepares students from concept to creation, styling and selling, preparing students to be innovative and to work in all facets of the industry. Studying at Whitehouse has taken dedication, perseverance and lots of hard work, but more importantly, the last three years that I have studied here, have been the most exhilarating and rewarding years of my life. My achievements, in no small part, can also be attributed to the dedicated, creative and supporting Whitehouse staff that believed in me, and every student, and encouraged us all the way.  

Louise Hong

I have completed the Graduate Diploma in Fashion Design at the Whitehouse Institute of Design, a prestigious Fashion College in Sydney’s centre. This Institute has enabled me to develop the skills and knowledge essential to pursuing a career in Fashion Design. The Whitehouse Institute has guided me to become thoroughly committed to achieving my goals.   
 
Reflecting on my commitment to the Design industry and my Institute, I have helped at many catwalk shows and supported fellow Australian Fashion Designers whom I aspire to be like including Richard Tyler, One Teaspoon, Wayne Cooper and countless others. This experience has broadened my perspectives on the realities of the fashion world and what is required to be Fashion Designer in today’s industry.  Included in my commitment to the Institute I have participated at College events such as the mid year and final parades these past three years. I enjoy working with my school mates and working as a team to put together a successful fashion parade. 

I am a highly motivated person who is looking forward to embracing a new culture and gaining a wonderful experience in one of the finest Design schools in Europe. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and it will enable me to gain a Masters Degree in Fashion Design. It will also give me the opportunity to undertake work experience in some of the most famous fashion houses in Europe which I would not be able to gain in Australia. Furthermore, this invaluable experience will provide me with the opportunity to expose myself to the international design industry, a crucial step to my success in such a volatile industry.

Oanh Ma

When I enrolled at Whitehouse my main interest was in drawing. Drawing was my "thing". I love drawing. I went into the program knowing I could draw, but never imagined how much I could learn. I really loved technical drawing too. Technical drawing is so different to creative drawing, but it's very much part of the same process of expression. Technical drawing is just another way of interpreting the design. I wish the course had been longer. I loved studying at Whitehouse so much that I would have stayed. It is such a fun happy place to learn and it's not just the place it's the people too.

Georgie Williamson 

The most outstanding feature of Whitehouse and which sets it apart from other schools, is it's determination to create a learning environment which is as close to industry practice as possible. Without my training at Whitehouse I would not have adapted as quickly or efficiently into my working environment, nor would I have had the tools (which I'm still using today) to succeed in a competitive environment.

Hannah McNicol

Milan fashion week ended yesterday...which is a relief for all involved. Although full of excitement it is really a hell of a lot of work, mental and physical. 90% of the population has been afflicted with early symptoms of flu whilst having to deal with wrapping up the old and beginning with the new. As always there were some wonderful collections presented and others not so wonderful...Unfortunately I won't be making it to Australia as originally planned. I stopped for a moment as a rational thought flew passed in front of me, highlighting a fact: There is no way in the world that I could do a fast 5 day trip to Oz and back, deliver 50% of winters designs, decide on fabrics and colours for next season and remain sane, all before the dreaded deadline of the 15th of October...this my dear is what Leanne spoke to me about all those years ago...(seems like a long time at least). Will never forget our first meeting when she asked if I had a boyfriend? Answer at that stage (funny enough... also now!) was no. She said that that was good because even if I was tied up I wouldn't see the unlucky man very often in any case! Unfortunately sacrifices must be made...luckily no blood shall be shed!I was speaking with a very important man in the industry the other day during the shows (he produced for Martin Margiela, Vivien Westwood, New York Industry and whole lot more here in Italy). And we talked about the sacrifices one makes in order to achieve a certain goal, in particular when we are studying and then as we head out in search for a small space where we can show finally what we are capable of. Life wonderfully is full of distractions...and I guess it comes down to figuring out which are the right distractions for us at the right time. My present boss has another take on work which I have fully taken on board and have always felt but never managed to put the right words in the right order...he says that 'work comes from no work', meaning that we all need time to absorb, digest, elaborate, listen, touch, and re-elaborate before we are capable of giving our best... I am at present working as a design consultant with three different clients, hence three different collections and lots of people to satisfy. There are the designers in first place, then the commercial office, the vendors, the buyers, the potential clients.... trust me that at the end of a collection you don't know if you're salt or pepper. But the satisfaction of seeing the collection that you've put everything into over the last 5 months is such a high that you can't help but want to get stuck into the next. Self 'constructive' criticism is another element that helps to put you on the track again... as 100% satisfaction is, rightly so, an impossible target.As for the Whitehouse School, what can I say... the support has never ceased. Leanne and all the various teachers have given us the 'grammar' on which we build our personal language and ultimately sign with our handwriting. I always look forward to seeing the new 'alievi' from Australia as I believe there is an incredible 'uncontaminated' talent.Best of luck to all the final years... I know their heads must be under in preparation for the final show! Prepare yourselves however as this will be far from the final show; it's fantastically just the beginning!

Lara Lucianio 

After leaving the Whitehouse School in 1996 and completing Dip/Fashion, Lara worked her way up from Market Editor to Fashion Editor at Marie Claire magazine. Lara currently works as Fashion Director on B Magazine. I absolutely loved my time at Whitehouse. It was a fantastic time of learning and creativity, and a wonderful experience. We worked hard and loved every minute of it. Attending Whitehouse was like being a part of a family - the teachers were incredibly supportive and a great bond formed between classmates. Many from our class still keep in touch. The experience, learning and technical skills acquired from Whitehouse are invaluable to me in my current work and I wish I could go back and do it all again!

Samantha Hanna

I look back on my year at Whitehouse recalling the happy, challenging and positive memories. What made it for me were my teachers, how inspirational and dedicated they were in driving my creativity. So through hard work, determination and lack of sleep, my pathway broadened and ultimately led me to pursue a Masters in Product and Interior Design in Florence, Italy. My first lecture (in Florence) involved my history professor overwhelming me a million miles an hour in a language I wasn't exactly feeling at home with. After mild heart palpitations and time, slowly but surely I was dreaming in Italian and felt freer to grasp the experience. I learned that my greatest fear was my own. I fell in love with Florence... the way of life... my fellow students who became beautiful friends... the lectures and some of my lectureres!... the taste of tomatoes... the buzz of the market place... Michelangelo's David... sunsets over the Ponte... cocktails at the Art Bar...and yes...Marco. I feel truly blessed to have experienced my time at both Whitehouse and in such a wonderful dreamlike city as Firenze.