Sarah’s ultimate in work experience
GEELONG College fashionista Sarah Smith says you’re never too young to start chasing your dreams.
The talented year 12 seamstress (above), from Highton, recently completed her second stint of work experience with Australia’s Next Top Model judge Alex Perry at his Sydney headquarters.
Altering couture dresses and bridal gowns alongside the designer himself, the company was so impressed with Sarah’s handiwork it offered her a traineeship once she finishes high school.
At only 17, she’s already had some great industry insights — and it all started with an email.
One of many requests for work experience to various Australian designers and labels, her email reached Perry’s design assistant Carly Harman, who happens to be an ex-Geelong girl and former Sacred Heart student.
“It was terrifying at the start, I was quite nervous and on my first day I literally collided with Alex Perry before I’d even walked in the door,” Sarah said. “I’ve found the older I get at school the more I’m given, so I think it’s definitely important to get as much experience and practise your skills when you’re young.”
Her dad, local real estate agent Colin Smith, said Sarah had done well to secure work experience that was usually offered to graduates, but it was a result of hard work rather than luck.
“She’s a whiz with the sewing machine and she’s very creative, that’s her ticket,” he said.
While flattered by the offer, Sarah has turned down the traineeship because she wants to study fashion at RMIT or attend summer school in Paris or Milan. LOCAL songstress and former The Voice contestant rubbed shoulders (above) with former prime minister
who visited the region with beyondblue this week. TWELVE days behind schedule, Newtown world record hopeful
has just made it to Macksville, NSW, in his mission to be the fastest person to cycle around the country.
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