Balgowlah local, Valeska Dominguez has joined over 200 degree graduates from across the state at the Higher Education Graduation Ceremony held at TAFE NSW Ultimo this week.

Valeska Dominguez was awarded with the prestigious TAFE NSW Higher Education Award for Outstanding Student for her achievements while studying a Bachelor of Fashion Design in front of an audience of more than 200 people, including TAFE NSW Managing Director Dr Caralee McLiesh.

As a magazine art director and successful jewellery designer, Valeska, is no stranger to making celebrities look their best in the latest designs.

Ms Dominguez’s costume jewellery collection started out as a hobby but turned into a global company making its way onto the necks of Hollywood stars such as Katy Perry, Selena Gomez and Portia de Rossi before her collection was licensed to an online distribution company. After this exciting venture, Ms Dominguez was eager to find another creative outlet to keep her feeling inspired.

“I started out designing and making a few jewellery pieces, when my children were young, for a friend who worked in the fashion industry. To my surprise, magazine editors wanted my pieces for overseas shoots and runways and my business just took off,” Ms Dominguez said.

“Before long, I was signing an agreement with Austrade and my pieces were being sold on the American television company Home Shopping Network (HSN) and featured in Vogue magazine. My family and I decided to sell the licence in 2004 and the distribution royalty rights ended in 2015.

“I’ve always loved wearing the latest fashion and I needed to keep my creativity in-check so I enrolled in a Bachelor of Fashion Design at TAFE NSW.

“Studying at TAFE NSW has been the best thing I’ve ever done. I’ve learnt hands-on practical skills on how to design and make couture garments, and travelled to India to experience the processes involved when working with manufacturers and buyers. It has also pushed my creative boundaries and challenged me to think outside the box.”

“My final collection pays homage to Australian wool; a trans-seasonal range made of 100% merino wool using Sydney’s iconic Opera House as inspiration. I want to promote that wool is breathable and can not only keep you warm in winter, but will keep you cool in summer.

“I’ve finally found something I’m excited about and I can’t wait to open my own studio specialising in couture designs featuring natural fibres and sustainable practices,” Ms Dominguez said.

TAFE NSW Relieving Regional General Manager, Paul Williams, commended the graduates on their commitment and dedication to studying a degree at TAFE NSW, which has equipped them with the practical skills and work experience they need to pursue their chosen career.

“All TAFE NSW graduates have had first-hand contact with leading employers and understand their chosen industry through both practical and theoretic study. We congratulate them on their achievements and are confident they will have successful and satisfying careers,” Paul Williams said.

The ceremony also included graduates from the Bachelor of 3D Art and Animation, Bachelor of Design (Interior Design), Bachelor of IT (Network Security), Diploma of Information Technology, Associate Degree of Fashion Design and Bachelor of Property Valuation.

For more information about studying a Degree at TAFE NSW, visit tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Laura Kelly, TAFE NSW Business Partner, mobile 0411 777 676 or laura.kelly40@tafensw.edu.au