The scholarship, awarded through Daniel Hechter’s Australian licensee Expedition Apparel, is offered to the top second year student from one of the University’s internationally-recognised fashion programs, the Associate Degree in Fashion Design and Technology.

The scholarship includes a trip to China to experience the manufacturing process first-hand and glimpse the world behind an apparel company.

Tanguy Mulliez, International Licence Director of Daniel Hechter, recently presented inaugural scholarship winner Hannah Nicolson with the prize at a special lecture at RMIT.

Mr Mulliez was in Australia for both the launch of Melbourne’s first dedicated Daniel Hechter store and the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival.

In his lecture, he spoke to RMIT fashion students about the French brand’s design and business operations.

“Daniel Hechter is extremely excited, after 52 years, to open this first flagship store in Melbourne,” Mr Mulliez said.

“To be given the opportunity to connect directly with Australia’s young designers at RMIT helps us to understand the market place of the future. I hope the students enjoyed the stories I have about my life in Paris, whilst working across the 66 countries Daniel Hechter reaches.”

Peter Thompson, CEO of Expedition Apparel, parent company of Daniel Hechter Australia, announced Ms Nicolson as the first scholarship winner at RMIT’s Fashion and Textiles graduate parade and exhibition last November.

“It’s wonderful to support and encourage developing talent and help shape a person’s creative career by offering first-hand insights and experiences into the global fashion business,” Mr Thompson said.

Tina Guglielmino Deputy Head, RMIT Fashion and Textiles Vocational Education, said: “Developing scholarship and collaborative partnerships with influential companies like Daniel Hechter gives our students an enriched learning experience.

“The students get direct access to executive-level thinking and connect with key industry figures. The benefits to their studies and future careers are enormous.”

For media enquiries contact news@rmit.edu.au.

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KOM Consulants is the Canadian Application Centre for RMIT.  Contact KOM Consultants to apply to RMIT.

Art Programs offered at RMIT include:

• Art
• Design
• Fashion Design & Technology
• Fashion & Textile Merchandising
• Footwear
• Furniture
• Industrial & Product Design
• Photography
• Textile Design
• Visual Merchandising