Fashion & Interior Design

Karola Weber - Certificate in Fashion Technology

“WOW!” means more than just an exclamation to Waiariki fashion graduate Karola Weber.

Karola, who has achieved a Certificate in Fashion Technology, was invited to exhibit one of her garments at the Montana WOW (World of Wearable art).

Karola’s garment, called “Rhyssai,” was inspired by a little beetle that is threatening coconut plantations in the Pacific Islands.

The costume is a concoction of various earth-coloured media such as cotton, shellac, copper, tapa cloth, silk, cane, bamboo and aluminium, representing a fantasy creature from the forests of Aotearoa.

Karola is no stranger to creating and exhibiting costumes.

A fascination with burlesque was the basis for the Whakatane designer’s garment for a Rotorua Wearable Creation ’n Colour Awards.

Her garment, aptly named “Roxanne,” was reminiscent of the costumes worn in the19th century- inspired movie “Moulin Rouge”.

She admits to being more interested in costume design and her talents have been so successfully apparent in this area.

Pip Simmons - Certificate in Interior Design

Pip’s friend suggested education and she decided that an interior design course at Waiariki would fulfill her dream. It would give her a second chance, the opportunity to have some of the things she’d always wanted.

There were many highlights over the certificate year: a fun, overnight trip to Auckland where her class gained product knowledge and ideas. She enjoyed meeting the experts, clever down-to-earth people with an eye for beautiful design. A trip to Hamilton gardens and homes gave her the skills to assess the relationship between buildings and outdoor spaces. Visiting beautiful homes in Tauranga and meeting their approachable owners was inspirational.

In Rotorua industry people were extraordinarily generous with their information, she says.

Life became even more rewarding when Pip topped her architecture class. Being acknowledged for her drawing skills and colour board, and sharing in the exciting end-of-year presentation were occasions she will long remember.

When asked to offer advice to mature students starting or re-entering tertiary education she says, “Go for it. Be the best you can be.

“You may be surprised at your talents, I certainly was.”