Michelle creates Oscar-worthy accessories

"I'm a big believer in accessories taking an outfit from ordinary to extraordinary, and I've always had a passion for making unique bags. They are the ultimate accessory and always put the finishing touch on any outfit," explained Michelle.

A creative since childhood, Michell discovered her artistic niche after studying Fashion with TAFE Queensland and changing careers.

"I have a masters in project management and worked in the energy and mining industries. Then when my partner and I moved to Brisbane, I decided to change careers and enrolled in the Certificate III in Applied Fashion Design and Technology (MST30819) at TAFE Queensland - it was a fun change from wearing high viz!"

During her certificate course, she was encouraged to use the Mt Gravatt campus’ world-class facilities and equipment to express herself. She quickly discovered a passion for creating quirky accessories that make the wearer feel powerful – and wanted to explore it further.

"I started with the cert III and continued studying for another two years because I'd discovered my love for pattern making and working with leather to make bags," explained Michelle.

During the Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising (MST50119) and the Advanced Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising (MST60119) studies, her teachers and classmates encouraged and guided her to perfect her craft.

"There's a certain magic in finding 'your people' who understand how and why a textile can excite you and share the joy of solving a complex pattern-making problem," she said.

"My teachers were amazing – their industry experience and diverse skill sets helped me understand the fashion industry. I was encouraged to ask them questions, they were always contactable, and they inspired us to create exceptional fashion collections," she said.

Michelle also appreciated the pragmatic realism of the course that focussed on teaching her a solid foundation of skills that set graduates up to work in an established fashion brand or industry.

"I make quirky leather bags for fun people. While I've returned to full-time work, I'm still making bags and releasing new patterns to build my business steadily," she explains.

During her studies, Michelle was introduced to Queensland-based Packer Leather, a wholesaler that supplies TAFE Queensland with leather for students to use during their studies.

"I'm a huge Packer Leather fan, and I’ll continue making bags from their quality leather. Sometimes I see a hide that inspires me to create a new, fun, functional and sustainable bag."

"I mostly use kangaroo leather, as it's a by-product, and I've recently been experimenting with adding different colours and finishes to create bags that are even more unique. I love adding a pop lining using a fun fabric to the inside to surprise a customer when they open it," she said.

After graduating, Michelle began working on building her pattern and bag-making business, MEW Designs, selling bags at weekend markets, talking to customers about leather and sharing the stories behind her unique creations.

Her bag-making career hit new highs in early 2023 when Brisbane local Lauchlan Pendragon received an Oscar nomination for his animated stop-motion short film he completed in his mother's living room during the Covid lockdown as part of his PhD.

“His plus one was his mother, Melinda, whom I met through a local market. She asked if she could borrow a bag for the awards, and I happily and excitedly said yes, and I couldn't believe I was part of something so huge!”

Seeing a bag she made in her Brisbane studio, walked by one of her customers on the Oscars Champagne Carpet by a customer she met at a local Brisbane market was surreal.

“My design was a simple and elegant clutch that showcased my love of leather with a fun and quirky lining. I used pearlescent white leather with some black flecks from Packer Leather.”

"Seeing my bag on the red carpet and on Vogue.com was amazing. It worked beautifully with Melinda’s dress, and seeing something I made at the Oscars was magical. A real pinch-me moment," she said.

Michelle's advice for anyone considering changing careers and training to forge a profession from their passion is as unique as her amazing designs.

"In his book ‘On Writing’, Stephen King discusses developing a toolbox when learning to write. I like to compare fashion skills to a video game. Each time you learn a little more, sometimes you get stuck on a level for a while, and some days you level up."

"TAFE Queensland is like having an expert on hand to show you the tricks and tips – it's accelerated learning that gives you the skills and confidence for the career you want," concluded Michelle.