For 19-year-old Emma Davis, seeing her designs come to life on the runway was the highlight of her NZ Diploma in Fashion (Level 5) at EIT.

Emma completed the diploma last year at EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus, showcasing three garments as part of the end-of-year fashion show, including two looks from her final collection and one sustainable design created earlier in the year using upcycled materials.

“It felt really emotional,” Emma says. “We designed everything from the beginning to the end, and there was a lot of time and effort put into it. There were a lot of late nights and a lot of emotion involved, so finally seeing everything on the runway was really special.”

Her final collection drew inspiration from Greek mythology, specifically the character of Circe from The Odyssey.

“I usually work with lighter colours and more flowy designs, so I wanted to challenge myself. One outfit was inspired by Circe herself as a witch, which was more feminine, and the other was inspired by the soldiers who were turned into pigs, so it was darker and heavier than what I normally do.”

Her interest in fashion began at a young age, sparked by time spent sewing with her grandmother after moving back to New Zealand from England.

“She taught me how to sew, and I just loved it. I used to make little outfits for my Barbie dolls. Once you learn how to sew, you stop looking at clothes the same way. You see something in a shop and immediately think about what you could turn it into.”

After finishing at Havelock North High School, Emma chose to study fashion at EIT, drawn by the opportunity to focus on hands-on, creative learning close to home.

“EIT was right there, and I wasn’t quite ready to move away or financially able to yet. My fabrics teacher at high school had studied at EIT and recommended it, so I thought I’d give it a go and see if fashion was really for me. I’m really glad I did.”

Throughout the year, Emma says the programme allowed her to immerse herself fully in fashion, building practical skills across sewing, pattern making, and garment construction.

“Every single day we were learning something new. It meant I could really focus on developing my skills rather than juggling lots of different subjects.”

She says working directly with patterns and mannequins helped her gain confidence and develop a more instinctive approach to design.

“Before EIT, I struggled with knowing how to do things without overthinking them. Now, a lot of it feels more natural. I’ve learned how to just do things without having to stop and think so much. I’m really grateful for everything I learned and how much I grew over the year.”

Sustainability was a strong focus throughout the diploma, and an area Emma is particularly passionate about.

“We learned a lot about being mindful with resources and thinking about environmental impact. Sustainable fashion isn’t just about labels. It can involve upcycling, textiles, or working in different areas of the industry that support more responsible practices.”

Emma plans on continuing further study at Massey University, with aspirations to work in the sustainable fashion sector.

“There are so many different pathways within fashion. Design is the dream, but there are also opportunities in textiles, marketing, and other related areas. I’d love whatever I do to be connected to sustainability.”

Reflecting on her time at EIT, Emma says the commitment required was significant, but the experience has given her a strong foundation moving forward.

Christina Rhodes, Lecturer Fashion CALT, said the NZ Diploma in Fashion introduces the fashion industry and explores the diverse roles students can pursue to advance their careers.

“Throughout the programme, we encourage a strong focus on practical sustainability, emphasising recycling, repurposing, and reusing materials.

“Emma demonstrated creativity in developing the concept for her collection, incorporating sustainability into her garment design. We wish her every success as she continues her journey in the fashion industry.”