Olivia Kitson (née Brown)

Having an interest in food, health, and cooking from quite a young age, Olivia Kitson took Fabric from Year 7 at St Andrew’s and by Year 10 already saw it as a potential career option. As well as learning and honing her sewing and pattern making skills, Olivia says the classes prepared her for how hard a career in fashion can be, and the amount of work that goes into making a piece or collection of clothing.

Highlights of her time at the College include working with teacher, Raewyn Buckley, and winning the Wearable Arts Section at the New Zealand Young Designer Awards when she was in Year 12, with the support of the Fabric Department. Olivia says her studies at St Andrew’s set her up well for university and some exciting future roles in the fashion industry.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Fashion Design from AUT in 2014, Olivia started her career as a production assistant with Karen Walker, then managed Juliette Hogan Bridal. Heading off on her OE in 2019, Olivia took on a role as Senior Garment Technologist for London designer, Roksanda, and was exposed to the world of luxury fashion and European-made clothing.

A three-year stint with Juliette Hogan followed on her return to New Zealand. Now Olivia is back in Christchurch after welcoming her first child, and is working for a local furniture company, Woodwrights, learning new construction, fabric, and upholstery skills. While she is not sewing daily anymore, Olivia says it is still a much-loved hobby.