Ella’s Fashion Journey Earns a WorldSkills Gold Medal

Today, she’s a proud TAFE Queensland fashion student and the 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Gold Medal winner for Fashion Technology.

Growing up surrounded by costuming and clothing - thanks to her mum’s work in retail and her nanny’s handmade dance costumes - Ella always admired fashion but never pictured it as a career.

That changed in her high school senior years when she decided to take fashion as a subject, where her love for sewing and fashion theory flourished.

“My interest in fashion truly grew because, as much as I loved the practical side of it, I was also exposed to the theory side of it,” Ella explained.

“I didn’t know what the fashion industry had to offer until I got a taste for it in school. By senior year, I knew I wanted to pursue this.”

Knowing university wasn’t her style, Ella chose to study the Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising (MST50119) at TAFE Queensland because of its reputation for practical, hands-on learning and real-world industry skills.

“With the amazing facilities at the Mount Gravatt’s Fashion Centre of Excellence, TAFE Queensland offered the exact training that I needed.”

“Before starting, I’d never used an industrial sewing machine, never designed or pattern-made anything. Now, I have the skills, confidence, and support to take my designs from concept to runway.”

Ella's industry-experienced teachers complemented the purpose-built fashion facilities and industry-standard equipment, which she credits with much of her success.

“Carol Costa has been particularly incredible and would often train and coach me until 9pm because she believed in me and pushed me every step of the way.”

“Sally Brindley-Mills also played a huge role, mentoring me through design feedback and helping me grow creatively,” explained Ella.

The training she received at TAFE Queensland gave Ella a solid foundation of technical skills and taught her how to work under pressure.

“I learned to stay focused, manage my time carefully, and pay attention to detail, all essential during a high-stakes competition like WorldSkills.” 

“I wouldn't have been able to do it without my mentors. I will be forever grateful for the time and effort she put into my training. Their knowledge and passion for this industry are something to admire.”

That hard work paid off when Ella stepped into the spotlight at the WorldSkills Australia National Championships, winning the gold medal after a gruelling three-day competition. Ella stayed calm under pressure and trusted her skills to create a garment from scratch quickly.

In just three days, she explored the whole design and production process - from sketching and patternmaking to garment construction and professional finishing using sewing machines, hand sewing, and pressing equipment.

“The competition criteria heavily influenced the design of my garment,” Ella explained.

“I had to create a dress that included a waistline and could be easily adjusted on the day based on a ballot draw - whether it needed pleats or gathers, and whether it had to be symmetrical or asymmetrical.”

“Since I didn’t know the final requirements in advance, I designed a base that could be quickly adapted to suit any of those options. I wasn’t told the required dress or sleeve length, so I needed something versatile to work for multiple outcomes.”

“My goal was to create something modern and unique that would still meet all the technical challenges,” she said.

“I strongly focused on the sleeve design because I wanted that to be a standout feature - something creative and a little different.”

“It was a real balancing act between making something achievable within the time limit, but still detailed and complex enough to show my skills and push beyond the basic requirements.”

“My TAFE Queensland training taught me to manage time, focus, and not crumble under stress. It prepared me more than I could have imagined,” she said.

“It was a challenge to focus during the strict time limits. But I drew on everything I’d practised during my training, trusted my skills, took deep breaths, broke tasks down, and took it one step at a time.”

“Winning gold felt surreal. All the late nights, all the training and preparation had paid off, and it was an incredible moment I’ll never forget - it was overwhelming in the best way.”

“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who supported me. My gold medal is just the beginning, and I’m so excited to see where fashion takes me next.”

Ella’s win allows her the opportunity to earn a place in the National WorldSkills team and represent Australia in the international showcase of vocational skills in Shanghai, China, in 2026.

“Representing Australia at the WorldSkills International competition would be a dream. Personally, it would prove I belong at that level. Professionally, it would open doors I never thought possible,” she said.

Her favourite study experience was the end-of-semester fashion showcase, where she presented her designs to industry professionals and potential employers as part of TAFE Queensland’s annual Protégé fashion parade.

“There’s nothing like watching a creation you made from scratch walk down a runway - it’s just magic,” she recalled.

With a WorldSkills gold medal and a comprehensive portfolio of work, Ella has her sights set on the global stage.

Looking ahead, Ella dreams of working in costume and ready-to-wear fashion, especially behind the scenes in theatre or film.

“Wherever fashion takes me, I want to keep creating and telling stories through clothes. TAFE Queensland is the perfect place to learn, grow, and find your voice as a designer.”

“I encourage any other creative considering a hands-on career to study here. You’ll surprise yourself with what you’re capable of,” she concluded.

This is only the beginning for Ella, and the future looks as bold, bright and brilliant as her designs.