Catching up with our Alumni

Ashleigh Abboud, Class of 2019

At Elderslie High School, I discovered my passion for creative and critical thinking, excelling in Legal Studies, Dance, and Textiles & Design. My interest in law was sparked through participation in the Debating and Mock Trial teams, while my lifelong love for dance shone through CAPA nights, Dance Company performances, and HSC Dance. My enthusiasm in Textiles & Design, inspired by my Nan’s sewing and knitting skills, flourished under the guidance of my teacher, Miss Golden, who mentored me from Year 7 to Year 12 and played a pivotal role in shaping my journey into the fashion world. My high school projects, including the textile-patchwork pillow, onesie project, and my HSC major work of a Cleopatra costume reflecting my Egyptian heritage, shaped my now creative practice of blending personal experiences into universal designs.

Drawn to the critical thinking and problem-solving in Legal Studies, I initially pursued Law at UOW. However, after a year, I realized it wasn’t my true calling. Even during my legal studies, I found myself designing and sewing personal projects in my spare time. Remembering my passion for textiles and fashion design, particularly from my projects created at EHS, I switched to a Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Textiles at UTS.

I completed the 3-year bachelor’s degree from 2021-2023, and now this year I have just completed the post-graduate Honours program of my Fashion and Textiles course. In this Honours course, I spent the year conceptualising, designing, crafting and making a 6-look fashion collection comprising of 19 pieces, from drafting the patterns, making the textiles, and constructing the garments and accessories. I recently showcased my collection at the UTS Honours Fashion Show where professional models brought my designs to life on the runway, presenting them to an audience of prominent figures in the fashion industry. From this, I’ve had multiple interviews and features with fashion magazines, stylists, job opportunities and competitions, where I’ve just recently won Best in Chromatic Innovation at the Fleece to Fashion competition held in Armidale. 

As I embark on an exciting career in the fashion industry, I remain deeply connected to my roots and the lessons learned at EHS, which continue to shape my journey. The most valuable lesson I’ve carried with me is to pursue what you truly love, as there is always room for passionate, talented individuals to leave a unique and meaningful mark on the world. 

(If you’d like to follow my journey, follow my Instagram @ashleigh.abboud)