Whitecliffe Graduate: Henry Calkin

Former Kapiti College student Henry Calkin was self-employed at the time but feeling uninspired in his work and looking for a new direction. Having always been interested in fashion he decided to enrol in Whitecliffe to pursue a Diploma in Fashion Technology.

In this Diploma students gain understand of the digitising and grading of patterns. They learn to create digital drawings and storyboards, as well as develop their knowledge of textile technology and garment manufacturing.

Henry studied the Diploma in Fashion Technology at the Whitecliffe Wellington campus. Following is what he had to say on his time at Whitecliffe.

“I’m Henry Michael Calkin. I’m currently studying a Diploma in Fashion Technology at Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design. In 2019 I was self-employed and enjoying modest success for a young man in his early twenties, but was completely uninspired and unsatisfied with my work.”

“After always having an affinity for fashion, I had some recommendations to join the Whitecliffe fashion programme and I have never looked back since. Upon arrival, it was a genuine buzz to be a part of such a creative hub that the Whitecliffe campus is.”

Throughout his time at Whitecliffe, one of Henry’s notable achievements was to take first place in the Resene Colour of Fashion competition. Students are tasked with designing and constructing a work of contemporary fashion to present to judges in an array of Resene paint colours. Henry created a design in Resene Grape Escape, inspired by the Matariki star cluster. Henry noting that “Te ao Māori influences were strong where I grew up in Raumati, and I wanted to capture that in my design.” Read on about Henry’s winning design here.

Over the course of this 38 week programme students develop design skills alongside commercial production skills. Henry emphasising the progress possible in this time, having started out with no previous sewing experience.

“The process of starting from scratch and seeing out a concept to a final product has given me an unparalleled sense of fulfilment that I could never have anticipated. My first original piece was a full-circle moment when I realised how far I had come from my first day, having never threaded a needle.”

“If anybody was having thoughts about getting into fashion, I would tell them that it takes a person who is dedicated, motivated, equal parts problem solver and creative and in love with the world of fashion. I would then say Whitecliffe is a great place to start.”

Henry hoping to become a workroom assistant after graduation, as he embarks on his career in fashion.