For Harriet Mills, building a career in fashion started with stepping away from it.
A graduate of the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), she explored fields including forensics, architecture and biomolecular science before returning to a creative path. She has worked across the fashion, editorial and commercial teams at Harper’s BAZAAR Australia, where she held roles including Acting Fashion Assistant and Publisher’s Assistant, before moving on to focus on her own creative practice. She has also interned at Vogue Australia and Romance Was Born, and worked as a freelance stylist assistant. She is now the founder of fashion brand, Harri Saint Claire.
What first attracted you to study fashion at UTS?
After high school, I paused my studies in fashion and art to experience other industries including forensics, architecture and biomolecular science. After three years, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in a creative industry.
I travelled to London and completed short courses in costume design, fashion history, designing for film and television, archiving, store window design and fashion design at Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion.
When I returned to Sydney, I was ready to re-immerse myself in fashion. I chose UTS because it offered a course that included fashion history and theory, as well as print, photography and knitwear. I was also drawn to the focus on design and textile experimentation.
The course had global recognition and pathways into master’s programs that aligned with my goal of studying at Central Saint Martins and eventually working in the UK. After my interview and touring the studios, I knew it was the right place to restart my creative journey.
What is the most memorable moment you had studying your course at UTS? How did it influence where you are now?
My final womenswear project 'Anatomie', was a key moment during my degree. It brought together collaboration and storytelling, and helped me develop my process and approach to design. I explored new pattern making techniques, worked with abstract design principles and expanded my understanding of textiles.
The project was later shown in a Sydney gallery and expanded for a Toni and Guy Hair Festival experience. It also helped me build an industry network and gave me confidence in my design process and creative direction.
These skills have been important when working in magazines, particularly in developing concepts and delivering outcomes.
How did you come to work at Harper’s BAZAAR?
After graduating from UTS, I enrolled in a one-year course at the National Fashion College to gain more industry and market experience.
During this time, I interned at Vogue Australia and Romance Was Born, and worked as a freelance stylist assistant, which helped me build connections across the industry.
My third internship through the course was at Harper's BAZAAR Australia. After three months, I was offered a role as Acting Fashion Assistant. Eight months later, I moved into the role of Publisher’s Assistant. I later concluded my time there to focus on my own creative direction.
Written by Harriet Mills:
Meet the emerging UTS Fashion & Textiles Honours graduates to keep on your radar
Do you feel like studying fashion and textiles gave you a different perspective in the fashion publishing world?
Studying design taught me to see everything as a potential source of inspiration and to stay open and engaged.
That approach carries into publishing. Ideas can come from anywhere and develop into features, concepts or new ways of thinking. Staying curious is an important part of working in that environment.
How would you recommend your course at UTS to someone thinking of studying it?
The Fashion and Textiles degree at UTS provides a strong foundation for a career in fashion design.
Having skills across illustration, pattern making, art, fashion history, graphic design and 3D modelling is valuable. An understanding of business and gaining internship experience also helps.
Being open to learning is important. It sets you up for your first role in a design studio and for building a career in the fashion industry.
It allows you to explore your creativity, particularly in third year and honours, and helps you understand your strengths, areas to improve and future direction.
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Marni is one of just a handful of Indigenous architecture graduates working in Australia today.
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Marni is one of just a handful of Indigenous architecture graduates working in Australia today.