Rachel Jory
Rachel Jory lived in London for two years and returned home to follow her passion and go back to school to learn fashion. Her love of fashion started from reworking vintage clothes and modernising them. Eager to learn the craft from a design/sketch through to garment completion, Kangan was her first preference. After having a cousin that completed this course, Kangan came highly recommended and it was the only school Rachel applied for.
Congratulations, you've graduated! Tell us your experience studying fashion design at Kangan? What are your fashion moments?
After returning to school as a mature age student, it was daunting at first, but Kangan is such an amazing environment to learn. The teachers were both welcoming and encouraging and made the transition an easy one.
Some of my favourite moments were definitely my upcycled work featured in the red cross window shops on two occasions. The trip to Indonesia this year and learning the art of batik textile design while there and of course after much sleep deprivation completed this year's final collection, which was so rewarding!
For your final collection, what was your inspiration behind it, and how long did it take you to complete?
My final collection is an environmentally conscious collection made from 100% recycled material and is called: Electric Ladyland – The Hendrix Experience
This collection is inspired by the legend himself Jimi Hendrix not only for his impeccable style but also pays homage to his ability to use his creativity to make positive changes in the world.
This collection is a celebration on so many levels:
It celebrates fashion being created as an art form with each piece being truly unique and one of a kind.
It celebrates empowering women to be their authentic self and use fashion as a form of self-expression and individuality.
It celebrates the ability to approach sustainability without limitations, breaking free from constraints and showcasing the endless possibilities and complete freedom to reinvent/transform/deconstruct and recreate.
To create this collection I transformed rugs into coats, couch, cushion covers and crochet table cloths into wearable fashion.
Most difficult thing you've had to learn since studying fashion design?
The most difficult thing I learnt was in this final year and creating a cohesive collection all from recycled materials. It was such a challenge to find the materials to use that all worked within my theme and colour palette and taking this organic approach to design and complete it in a structured framework.
..And the best thing studying fashion design?
The best thing about studying fashion design is the freedom to use your creativity to its fullest potential. It’s so rewarding to see your ideas from a sketch being transformed into a completed garment.
You've only just started your fashion journey, what's next for you?
I'm just about to launch my own brand Jozza Jean which is going to be a combination of reworked vintage pieces and my original designs all one of a kind and made from recycled materials.
You can check it out at
Instagram: @jozzajean
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/JozzaJean
Advice to anyone wanting to study your course?
I say go for it! I think if you have a passion for something it can’t be ignored and you need to stay true to yourself and go after your dreams.
Photo Credit: PNP MEDIA