CAFA | About Us
We are a fashion college and sewing school teaching both professionals and home sewers. Our philosophy begins with the classical techniques used in French couture houses, combined with cutting-edge, luxury ready-to-wear design and construction methods.
Our Approach
This blend of the old and the new offers our students strong technical skills, with the college specialising in draping, couture construction techniques and fashion illustration.
What We Believe
We aim to inspire our students and equip them with the attitude, expertise and experience to stay true to their fashion vision, while providing the grounding needed to be commercially successful.
How We Teach
To maximise learning, our class sizes are kept small and all students receive instruction from teachers who are both talented educators and highly skilled industry professionals. Learning is largely self-paced, allowing students to progress at a speed that suits their experience and ability, while being guided and supported as needed.
Students are matched with teachers whose expertise best aligns with their areas of interest, ensuring focused instruction and meaningful feedback throughout their studies.
Our Studio
Our modern, light-filled workrooms are equipped with the latest industrial and domestic sewing machines, as well as Adobe Illustrator pattern design software. As an additional service, most of the equipment our students need can be purchased directly from the school at very competitive prices, including a range of hard-to-find items.
Flexible Study
We recognise the pace of life today and offer a flexible timetable, with classes running during the week, in the evenings and on Saturdays.
-
Gaylene McCaw, LLB/BEc
CEO & FOUNDER
After a career in business, Gaylene trained in Fashion Design and Merchandising in Sydney and Paris. She has qualifications in law, accountancy and fashion, and over 10 years’ experience across fashion retail, business strategy and management, training organisation leadership, fashion design and garment construction.
-
Leonie News
STUDENT SERVICES & ADMINISTRATION
Leonie has over 25 years’ experience in administration and human resources management and supports students with timetables, inductions, course information and materials throughout their studies.
-
Deborah Staples
SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTOR
Debbie has over 10 years’ industry experience across fashion retail and bespoke design. She has worked as a pattern designer, finisher and grader, managed workrooms for start-up designers, and specialises in tailoring, prototyping and garment sampling.
-
Meredith Paterson
Meredith placed in the Top 10 for her HSC Textiles & Design major work and holds a Diploma of Fashion Design. With experience in wedding dress design, couture embroidery and experience working for a luxury brand, she has been teaching for more than five years.
-
Rachel Marquet
Description goes here -
Mary Brown
Description goes here
