Published July 2025
When aspiring fashion designer Willow Miles got the news she was awarded a scholarship to study fashion, it gave her the extra motivation she needed to pursue something she had always loved – design.
“It was amazing, I remember getting the call and running up the hill to try and get enough service so that they could speak to me over the phone,” Ms Miles said.
The scholarship made it more accessible for her move away from her home in Hat Head.
Now in her third year at Billy Blue College of Design, the hands-on sewing classes are her favourite.
“I think being creative and being hands on, learning through play is really important,” Ms Miles said
Two other students have received the scholarship, Ashley Phillips and Hugh Besley, and they are all studying branded fashion design, where they learn about commercial fashion business models alongside design.
The scholarship program is thanks to a long-standing partnership with Fashion Queensland, which also provides opportunities for students to be involved with Brisbane Fashion Month.
Fashion Queensland Director and Founder Laura Churchill said: “From the get-go, we started working with Billy Blue to offer opportunity and real-world experience for young designers coming through.”
Ms Churchill said it is great to open their eyes to the opportunities that are here in Brisbane and Queensland, so they know they do not have to move interstate or overseas for a career in fashion.
The 2025 scholarship application is open from July 1 – October 31, apply at torrens.edu.au/how-to-apply/fees-scholarships/scholarships/domestic/fashion-queensland-scholarship
