Fashion design grad launches Australian label

The philosophy behind Hunt & Heart is simple: to provide women with quality “statement staple” pieces designed to be compatible with any style or wardrobe. 

Hunt studied the two year Associate Degree in Fashion Design and Technology and completed an additional year of practical study to graduate with the Bachelor of Fashion (Design Technology).

After learning about the staggering waste statistics of fast fashion, she was determined to steer away from the path of mass clothing production.

Using luxe fabrication, versatile silhouettes and neutral colour palettes, Hunt & Heart garments are founded on ethical and environmentally-sound design.

Hunt collaborates with a range of Melbourne businesses to source and manufacture her items, pairing with machinists and patternmakers to create garments on order to avoid wastage.

“I wanted to move away from mass production and encourage women to seek essential items that can be loved and worn over and over,” she said.

“I had the goal of building a business that thrives on local knowledge and skills, therefore starting a foundation for long-lasting business relationships.”

Passionate about animal welfare and rescue, Hunt also supports local charity Oscar’s Law, an organisation aimed at abolishing puppy factories in Australia, by donating a percentage of every purchase from Hunt & Heart to its mission.

Hunt said studying at RMIT not only allowed her to build her fashion design skills, but also introduced her to the world of business.

“The wealth of knowledge from RMIT teachers was invaluable and I felt like I could approach them with questions at any time,” she said.

“I felt really supported; like they wanted to do anything they could to help me achieve my goals.” 

Janette Gavin, course coordinator in the School of Fashion and Textiles, said Hunt’s success could be attributed to her passion and focus.

“Taylor is a prime example of a young, smart, up-and-coming designer who is making ethical and sustainable choices about the role they play in the future of the Australian fashion industry,” Gavin said.

“We endeavour to teach our students to be multi-skilled and versatile, and to make informed choices regarding their own design philosophies and future in the industry.”

The Associate Degree in Fashion Design and Technology is a unique two-year program, teaching students the fundamental skills required to be a fashion designer.

Students then have the option of working on a year-long brief involving the design of a niche clothing range for a chosen market in order to attain the Bachelor of Fashion (Design Technology).