In summary

  • Swinburne’s first ever fashion design unit has recently wrapped its first semester, culminating in an inspiring garment display
  • Swinburne’s Bachelor of Design (Fashion) equips students with advanced skills to boost their employability in a rapidly evolving industry
  • Students were introduced to the fundamentals of sewing, patternmaking and design while gaining hands-on experience with advanced manufacturing and emerging fashion technologies

The fashion industry is rapidly evolving through technology, sustainability and innovation. Today’s fashion designers need more than just a creative eye and passion for the industry to succeed, they also need a diverse toolkit of technological skills.

Swinburne University of Technology’s brand new Bachelor of Design (Fashion) is equipping students with the skills they need to be industry ready. Students are trained in advanced manufacturing, learning to utilise the latest technologies to boost their employability.

The course kicked off at the beginning of 2025 with Swinburne’s first ever Fashion unit, Fashion Design Practice 1: Techniques and Prototyping. The unit recently wrapped with all 26 students presenting a garment they each developed over the semester. The unit introduced students to the core fundamentals of sewing, pattern making and design development, skills that are new to many of the cohort.

“Teaching the students this semester has been really rewarding, watching them go from never touching a sewing machine to delivering full outfits all within 12 weeks,” said Jye Marshall, Unit Convenor and Fashion Lecturer.

“The Swinburne learning model really allows for cross-disciplinary study which is what the future of the fashion industry requires. I love seeing this next generation of fashion designers come through who can use advanced technologies to support business endeavours. A fashion designer encompasses so many roles.” 

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The new unit is open to students across the School of Design and Architecture, welcoming participants from various specialities. This diversity in fields fosters an environment of collaboration and creative exchange, refining students’ interpersonal skills and further equipping them for the workforce. 

For Photomedia student Sebastian Hermawan, the unit was both challenging and inspiring.

“This was my first time making a full fashion piece,” Sebastian said. “Jye and [fellow technician] Annie really helped me, showing me how to start the piece. It was a big learning process of how to make it myself, and I definitely had my challenges. But I’m really happy with how the piece turned out, and I’m excited for my next fashion unit next semester.”

With its focus on digital solutions, novel fabrics, and ethical practices, Swinburne’s Bachelor of Design (Fashion) equips students with forward-thinking skills that assist them in remaining vigilant and adaptable. This brand-new degree at Swinburne is shaping a new generation of fashion designers ready to transform the industry. 

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