Raffles Sydney Graduate Wins International Internship and $15,000 Prize Package
Claudia Milham with Robert De Giovanni, Program Director of Fashion Design. Models to their left and right are dressed in designs by Claudia for her graduation showcase.
In January 2012, Fashion Future announced that Claudia Milham, a Fashion Design graduate of Raffles College, Sydney, was the first to win an international internship from their program. In addition to her $15,000 prize package and internship, she won a tablet sponsored by Acer. The internship would last 3-6 months. Claudia’s international mentorship prize package included return airfare and accommodation for three months.
Participation for the International Mentor Program by Fashion Future was open in November 2011. The program was a new initiative by Fashion Future that offered 20 opportunities in the fashion industry on a global scale. Ten of the opportunities were global internships, while the other ten were international mentor experiences.
Competition was guaranteed to be stiff as any student pursuing an Australian fashion degree program could apply. Graduate applicants who have graduated not longer than 12 months ago were also eligible. To top it off, sponsored overseas internships in fashionable cities are rare opportunities not to be missed.
Applicants were judged based on their intellect, creativity, vision, innovation and skill. Claudia’s portfolio was reviewed by the program’s advisory board. Professionals who composed the board include people from places like MARIE CLAIRE, Sun Herald and Harpers Bazaar.
Prior to that, Claudia had to pass a selection round by Raffles. The college held a preliminary round so as to prepare students for the next round – And more importantly, to send out the best candidates to participate in the program. Claudia had to meet the criteria of having an average grade of a credit or better. Skill-wise, she was required to showcase an excellent major project with a highly creative concept. Her project displayed professionalism in using technical skills for sewing and pattern-making.
Participating mentor internships were from top brands like:
- Balenciaga (located in New York)
- Christian Dior (located in Paris)
- Diane Von Furstenberg (located in New York)
- Dolce & Gabbana (located in New York)
- Giorgio Armani (located in New York)
- Herve Leger (located in Los Angeles)
- Prada (located in Milan)
- Salvatore Ferragamo (located in Florence and Barcelona)
- Tom Ford (located in London)
- Viktor & Rolf (located in Netherlands)
With her amazing design skills, Claudia’s portfolio allows her to gain international fashion experience fresh after graduation. Her current location of internship is unannounced, but it will definitely be in a top fashion city. This internship will be a good introduction to the world of fashion where she can practice her skills and knowledge on commercial-level work. Having an overseas internship will also challenge her resourcefulness as someone living away from personal comfort zones.
Studying Fashion Design at Raffles College of Design and Commerce, Sydney
At Raffles Sydney, students are encouraged to think critically. Projects in school simulate the global fashion industry’s stringent deadlines and demand for quality. Students are also encouraged to build their portfolio and meet industry contacts by entering design competitions and participating in fashion shows.
An essential quality of the school is its international environment that allows the school to draw resources from partner colleges around Asia Pacific. This gives students the chance to transfer over to participating colleges and complete part of their education in another country. With this exposure, students can immerse themselves in another culture, refresh their creativity, and sharpen their design techniques and knowledge.
Want to find out more about studying fashion design abroad in Sydney, Australia?
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