Ella Cook

Master of Design student
Bachelor of Design in Fashion Design with a minor in Creative Entrepreneurship

She has enjoyed how industry focused AUT is, says Ella Cook who completed a Bachelor of Design in Fashion Design with a minor in Creative Entrepreneurship and is now enrolled in a Master of Design while working as a workroom assistant for the production team at Juliette Hogan.

“As fashion design students, we had projects in partnership with Zambesi, one of New Zealand’s leading fashion designers, and had industry professionals from the likes of Workshop, Taylor Boutique, Stolen Girlfriends Club and Public Library PR come speak to us.

“We all had the opportunity to complete internships within the fashion industry, which gave us great practical experience to shape our pathways going forward. I honestly have enjoyed each day of my studies, learning new things about garment construction or pushing myself to undertake projects I didn’t think I could accomplish. AUT really opened my mind about all the different career options that are out there within the fashion industry. There are lots of things that appeal to me, whether that’s creative direction, design or buying.”

There is one project she is particularly proud of.

“For one of my third-year fashion design courses, I set myself the task of creating a fully hand sewn bespoke tailored jacket. I had little knowledge of making something in this bespoke way but in setting myself this goal, and with the guidance of the lecturers, I learned so much about this type of garment construction. I produced a jacket that has every detail of construction considered and completed by hand sewing. To finish that piece felt like a big accomplishment as a designer and an example of how you can push yourself to achieve something you didn’t initially think you could.”

The right choice
Fashion design has been a passion of hers since high school, Ella says.

“To have the opportunity to continue this passion and build my career around it was exciting. To be able to gain a greater understanding from lecturers who have worked in the fashion industry themselves is something I see immense value in. Getting to study something I’m so interested in each day and challenging myself with new skills and concepts has felt so rewarding.

“When I was deciding where to study fashion, I chose AUT because it spoke to me – I really loved the feel of the campus and could envision myself there. It offered the perfect degree for me, which was majoring in fashion design and also taking some courses on creative entrepreneurship to add some business learning. AUT’s facilities for fashion design, with the studio spaces and different types of machines available, was also inspiring.”

While she has had many memorable experiences throughout her studies, Ella admits that studying during a global pandemics also came with some challenges.

“The biggest challenge I faced while at AUT was during the COVID-19 lockdowns, which affected part of my first year of studies. I really struggled with being off campus and not having that studio space around me where I could bounce ideas off my peers. Working alone and online isn’t really conducive to designing and gaining inspiration. AUT supported us by adapting our projects to suit this type of learning environment, and we had online classes where we were in smaller groupings for more communication with our lecturers and classmates. This helped ease pressure for me.”

Advice for other students
Push yourself more than what is expected of you for each project, Ella advises other students.

“If you push yourself, your lecturers will meet you at that level and extend you further, but if you don’t then you won’t get the most out your studies. To get the most out of it, you need to put the most into it. This will teach you so many great skills for life, and you’ll learn so much about your capabilities.”

She wouldn’t hesitate to recommend AUT’s fashion design degree to other students.

“I’d definitely recommend this programme as it has given me knowledge, connections and professional experience within the fashion design industry. Through completing placements with New Zealand designers Juliette Hogan and Liz Mitchell, and seeking out opportunities throughout my years of study I’ve built up a great CV, which will assist me in my next steps.”