Esther Huang

Having a cross-disciplinary skillset will give you a competitive edge over your peers, covering the technical and business spectrums of the fashion industry.

A Master of Fashion (Entrepreneurship) student reveals her advice for getting the most out of your tertiary studies.

Be an innovator

Given Australia’s unique positioning in the fashion industry, I saw the opportunity to ground myself in the technical knowhow of the fashion industry through studying RMIT’s Master of Fashion (Entrepreneurship).

My major project (a minor thesis) proposed a close-looped scalable business model framework for upcycling (the process of converting waste material into new products).

This project facilitated collaboration with industry experts, both in Melbourne and the UK, to design suitable business strategies that contribute to sustainability in different cultural contexts.

Having a cross-disciplinary skillset will give you a competitive edge over your peers, covering the technical and business spectrums of the fashion industry.

Embrace multiculturalism

Throughout the program, I have learnt to work in multicultural project groups and have slowly flourished in communicating and presenting my business ideas professionally.

Attending a study tour in London and Paris gave me a global perspective on current trends and industry challenges. It provided me with an in-depth understanding of how history, heritage, culture and locality affect fashion today.

Through expanding my international outlook, I have gained a more holistic understanding of global issues present in the fashion industry as well as techniques to make a difference.

Be true to you

Coming from a retail background where consumerism was widespread, I saw a lot of waste. This resonated with my values and I wanted to do something about it.

The fashion industry is undergoing revolutionary change, specifically in the areas of retail and sustainability. Therefore it is important to take the opportunity to learn new skillsets through your projects to stay relevant and aware of global trends.

We are not only responsible to ourselves, but also to the industries we are contributing to. I enjoy what I am doing because I believe in what I do.

Dream big

Through my program, I have crystallised my technical competencies in the fashion industry and also found my passion in sustainability – specifically in the area of upcycling and recycling textile waste.

My aspiration is to become a cross-disciplinary retail specialist; focusing on effectively and creatively managing waste in the production process, whilst also making sure the desirability of the product isn’t compromised.

Whether you are a local or international student, optimise your time at university by being active in key industry events as well as growing your local industry network. You never know who your future employer or business partner may be!