A Greenacre local is steering away from ‘fast-fashion’ with the launch of an innovative modestwear label, Fai and Blair. 

Research shows Australians are the world's second largest consumers of textiles, buying on average 27 kilograms of new clothing and other textiles each year.

33-year-old mother-of-two, Fai Abdat, launched her fashion label last year after studying a Certificate III in Applied Fashion Design and Technology at TAFE NSW Lidcombe. 

“I launched Fai and Blair as I wanted to design and create clothing which caters for women of all backgrounds and is flattering on all body types. My focus is on versatile, timeless pieces made with high-quality materials, as opposed to ‘fast-fashion’,” Ms Abdat said. 

“I’ve always been passionate about fashion and while starting a business from scratch has been challenging, it’s been so rewarding. The TAFE NSW course has really equipped me with the skills I need to succeed.  

“Having access to expert teachers with industry experience has been invaluable, and I look forward to progressing to a Diploma later this year to further develop my skills and build my business.” 

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Fashion, Fiona Lloyd, said the Certificate III in Applied Fashion Design and Technology equips students like Fai with the skills required to get ahead in the fashion industry. 

“As more and more people turn to sustainable or ‘slow fashion’ in order to reduce fashion waste, there is growing demand for people who can create high-quality garments here in Australia, which stand the test of time,” Ms Lloyd said. 

“The Applied Fashion Design and Technology course provides students with the foundations of design and patternmaking, and the creative skills they need to create and market their brands, or work as a fashion design assistant in the industry.  

“Students can also grow their career further and progress to a Diploma in Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising, which can lead to roles in assistant buying, merchandising and production, supply chain management, fashion marketing, and retail planning.” 

For more information about studying fashion at TAFE NSW, visit https://www.tafensw.edu.au/.  

Media contact: Emma Woodward, Communications Specialist