Art and design alumni

Fashion Designer
Bachelor of Art and Design (Honours)
Bachelor of Design in Fashion Design

Getting valuable industry experience as part of her degree was a highlight of her studies, says AUT fashion design alumna Courtney Pellow.

“In the third year of my AUT fashion degree we had a paper on professional practice, which included an industry placement in an area of design we were interested in. I interned at an eyewear label for my placement.

“It was a unique opportunity that gave me invaluable knowledge of the fashion industry and the world, which I can now apply to my own endeavours. The internship ended up turning into a part-time job, where I was given the opportunity to help design an eyewear collection and travel abroad to their off-shore manufacturers to see the whole design process through.”

An exciting challenge
Fashion has always been an interest of hers, Courtney says.

“I’ve always been creative, and took subjects like painting and graphics in high school. When it was time to find a university course that would enhance the path I was already on, fashion design attracted me because of its creative and practical skillset. It sounded like an exciting challenge.”

It’s a decision she hasn’t regretted.

“There were so many highlights! The facilities and technology meant that there were endless ways you could make your work that little bit more personal and exclusive. The studios were high-paced and highly energised, with a great support system from the other students and the tutors. I also got to participate in the AUT Rookie fashion show, and along with some of my classmates ran a pop-up shop for Heart of the City’s 10 Days of Fashion in the City.”

Taking on the fashion world
After graduating at the end of last year, Courtney is now busy making her mark on the New Zealand fashion scene.

“I’ve recently opened a shared space creative studio on Karangahape Road in Auckland, together with another fashion graduate from AUT. I felt it was time to focus on my own work. My namesake label references my identity as a Kiwi, and the New Zealand lifestyle and sensibility. At the moment, I’m working on unisex designs, using recycled New Zealand woollen blankets and denim.

“It’s a big investment and a little bit of risk to set up my own label, but the collective of designers I’ve worked with and the mentoring I’ve received over the years has made it all possible.”