Sandra Doutsas has been teaching since 1983, her early years specialising in Primary Teaching. In 1994 she completed the Advanced Certificate in Designer Dressmaking (Small Business), during her studies she entered competitions and in 1995 her gown was chosen by The Australian Gown of the Year to travel in their show around Australia. Sandra joined RMIT in 1999 to teach sewing. Since this time she has helped to build the sewing short course to a high level and it has become well known for its exceptional standards. Her passion for teaching has continued to grow. Through continued observation, she has incorporated into her classes a variety of techniques and methods that have helped her students, especially those that are just beginning their sewing journey. In 2003 Sandra started her Fashion business in High Street, Northcote. She began with designing and making her own range of clothing and millinery as well as bespoke dressmaking for clients. She also ran sewing classes and millinery classes. Nowadays she has transformed her business into a very on-trend boutique and has successfully continued to maintain and run her classes on a regular basis. Her business has been nominated and won prizes in the Leader Business Awards as well as The Australian Business Quality Awards for Customer Service. Another of her achievements has been the appearance of her business on the TV show Coxy’s Big Break!

Kate Newton entered the fashion industry as a passionate 18 year old and has forged a career as a patternmaker and seamstress, predominantly in bridal and evening wear. Her love of couture led her to enter and show her work around the country in the Australian Gown of the Year 2002, 2003 and 2004. She has worked for many well-known bridal stores and ran her own boutique business in Surry Hills creating custom made gowns and ladies tailoring. It was here that she began teaching small classes and workshops and in 2009 began full-time teaching as well as mentoring fashion students and enthusiasts. Kate has embraced her love of learning and passing on her knowledge by completing a Diploma of Vocational Education & Training and is always pursuing new endeavours to remain inspired and passionate about fashion. Her technical expertise in personal fit, patternmaking and fabrics ensures her students gain valuable insights to further their skills development.