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Sustainable Fashion Design

Diploma in Fashion

In this programme, students will learn a range of advanced technical skills, from traditional flat pattern making and computer-aided pattern making to Adobe Illustrator and textile knowledge, empowering them to design, construct, and showcase creative fashion collections.

 

Students explore design development processes and develop sustainable practices shaping the future of the commercial fashion industry.

Resene Colour of Fashion 2024 end of year runway show

Outline

In this programme, students will advance their technical skills and deepen their understanding of the terminology and techniques used in fashion garment production. They'll learn a wide range of essential skills, including flat and computer-aided pattern making, Adobe Illustrator, and textile knowledge, empowering them to design, create, and showcase innovative fashion collections.

The programme includes two signature projects: Resene Colour of Fashion, where students experiment with contemporary colour palettes and bring Resene’s fashion colours to life through silk. This exciting, industry-linked project challenges students to push their creativity while preparing garments for presentation in front of a judging panel.

Additionally, students will design, develop, and manufacture a two-outfit collection, which will be showcased at the Whitecliffe Annual Fashion Show, providing a real-world platform for students to launch their designs into the industry.

Duration

1 Year

Full-time

Key Dates

February 2025 Intake

17/02/2025

 

 

Available Locations

Auckland City Symonds Street Campus
Manukau Campus
Wellington Campus

Costs

Fees free may apply.
All 2025 fees are subject to change and regulatory approval.

Domestic: $7,994+ $300 Student Services Levy

International: $18,460 + $300 Student Services Levy

A number of selected students will receive an opportunity to present their Resene Colour of Fashion garments at the Whitecliffe Annual Fashion Show and at New Zealand Fashion Week.

Further study options:

Level 7 Bachelor of Sustainable Fashion Design Diploma in Fashion, Whitecliffe programme level 5, Diploma, fashion, Whitecliffe, students, work in progress, classroom

Academic Calendar

2025 Academic Calendars

Key Student Information

NZ Government key information link for students.

Qualification

Diploma in Fashion
NZQA Level 5 (120 credits)

Graduates of this programme will be able to:

 

  • Develop a broad range pattern making and garment construction skills, textiles knowledge and creative processes to design, construct and present a range of
    finished fashion items
  • Apply the elements and principles of fashion design through development of design concepts and creative techniques
  • Apply knowledge of historical and contemporary fashion industry technical and conceptual influences to inform and develop fashion creation practice
  • Apply knowledge of fashion industry supply chains to inform ethical procurement of textiles
  • Develop the ability to critically to evaluate the quality, aesthetic value, wearability, practicality, comfort and sustainability of fashion designs.

 

Production Assistant
Cutting Room Assistant
Warehouse Assistant
Trainee Machinist

Featured student work

Featured Alumni

Admission Requirements

Applicants must

  • Turn 17 within their first year of study at Whitecliffe
  • Have successfully gained the New Zealand Certificate in Apparel and Fashion Technology, (Level 4)

OR

  • Have successfully gained the New Zealand Certificate in Fashion, (Level 4)

OR

  • Provide a portfolio of garment construction and pattern making, evidence of industry experience and a relevant reference, competent skills in literacy, numeracy and basic computer literacy

AND

  • Attend an interview if required.

International applicants must

  • Turn 18 within their first year of study at Whitecliffe
  • Have successfully gained the New Zealand Certificate in Apparel and Fashion Technology, (Level 4)

OR

  • Have successfully gained the New Zealand Certificate in Fashion, (Level 4)
  • Have achieved prior to enrolling an IELTS overall band score of 5.5 with no band lower than 5 or equivalent (whitecliffe.ac.nz/english-proficiency-outcome)
  • Meet New Zealand visa entry requirements
    whitecliffe.ac.nz/international-students

Faculty Members

The vast majority of our team have extensive experience within their respective industries. This is key in helping us ensure our graduates have the real-world skills they need for a successful career and bright future.

Veronica Frankovich, Lecturer, Fashion and Sustainability, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Veronica Frankovich

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Veronica’s extensive fashion background spans from traditional fashion methodology to graphic a ...

Angela Newson, Lecturer, Fashion and Sustainability,Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Angela Newson

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Angela holds a Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology from Massey University, where she receive ...

Denise Callan, Lecturer, Fashion + Sustainability, Faculty, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member

Denise Callan

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Denise Callan graduated from Whitecliffe College with a Bachelor in Jewellery Design and Technolo ...

Doula Matheos, Programme Leader, Fashion and Sustainability, Faculty, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member

Doula Matheos

Programme Leader

Fashion + Sustainability

Doula has a rich background in fashion design, having graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Fashi ...

Giles Peterson, Lecturer, Fashion and Sustainability, Faculty, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member

Giles Peterson

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Giles Peterson is a distinguished educator and independent curator at Whitecliffe College of Arts ...

Harita Kapur, Lecturer, Fashion and Sustainability, Faculty, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member

Harita Kapur

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Harita Kapur is an academic and design professional with over 30 years of experience in integrati ...

Heather Hohenberger, Lecturer, Fashion and Sustainability, Faculty, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member

Heather Hohenberger

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Working with such a diverse range of people brings Heather immense satisfaction. She truly believ ...

Lisa Holst, Lecturer, Fashion and Sustainability, Faculty, employee, staff, Whitecliffe, team, member

Lisa Holst

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

As a graduate of the Wellington Polytechnic School of Fashion, Lisa discovered her passion for fa ...

Michelle Wetherell, Whitecliffe Head of School, Whitecliffe Fashion and Sustainability, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Michelle Wetherell

Head of School - Fashion + Sustainability

Fashion + Sustainability

Michelle holds a Master’s degree in Fashion from Central Saint Martins, a Postgraduate Certific ...

Nicole van Vuuren, Whitecliffe Lecturer, Fashion and Sustainability, Fashion, Sustainability, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Nicole van Vuuren

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Nicole integrates innovative design methodologies with a commitment to sustainability and critica ...

Susan Barter, Lecturer, Fashion + Sustainability, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Susan Barter

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Born in Yorkshire during a time when crafting and repurposing were everyday practices, Susan Bart ...

Tannaz Barkhordari, Lecturer, Fashion and Sustainability, Fashion, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Tannaz Barkhordari

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Tannaz Barkhordari is a fashion designer and educator, specialising in sustainable fashion practi ...

Pip Stevenson

Pip Stevenson

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Pip has been involved in the fashion industry since completing her Bachelor of Design (Fashion) a ...

Christina Doherty, Lecturer, School of Fashion and Sustainability, Fashion, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

Christina Doherty

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

Christina has enjoyed a wonderfully diverse career. This has encompassed the design of lingerie, ...

SuJin Lim, Lecturer, Fashion and Sustainability, Faculty, Whitecliffe employee, Whitecliffe staff, Whitecliffe team, Whitecliffe member

SuJin Lim

Lecturer

Fashion + Sustainability

SuJin is an experienced jewellery CAD designer who has been serving the New Zealand industry sinc ...