Once, if you wanted to learn the European techniques of fashion design, garment construction, pattern drafting and advanced fashion illustration, you had to travel to the fashion capitals of Paris, Milan and London. Today however, such training is available much closer to home. This has been thanks to the dedication and vision of Elizabeth Bence, a couturier who is committed to passing on exceptional skills to a new generation.
The Elizabeth Bence School of Fashion opened in March 1997. Mrs Bence is a graduate of the artisic institute of fashion Marangoni-Milan and holds advanced certificates in draping, tailoring and fashion illustration from Ecole Superieure des Arts et Techniques de la Mode in Paris. These same skills are taught in a varied program of courses covering all aspects of fashion design and garment assembly.
Classes are held in a large, airy workroom where everything the students will need is at hand including cutting tables, scissors, sewing machines, overlockers, dressmaking dummies, special irons, paddings, ribbons, lace, zippers, pins and the buttons Mrs Bence brings back from Europe.
Mrs Bence teaches her design students to make a pattern. When students have mastered the basics, they are then taught moulage. This is the new trend in Europe where tape is pinned by a special technique to the dummy. "I teach them the right way to get a perfect line and fit and finish a garment to the highest standard. Then they learn how to adapt and lay out patterns for commercial production and the correct fabrics to use."
Accommodation
Accommodation in Sydney
You are responsible for organising your own accommodation arrangements. There is no on campus accommodation available at our school. Sydney and local area newspapers run advertisements for accommodation vacant particularly in Saturday and mid-week editions. However, the school can provide you with contact details of hostels, hotels and shared accommodation. There is a high demand for all types of accommodation in Sydney and students are advised to allow 3-6 weeks to find suitable accommodation.
Homestay accommodation is an accommodation option which you may prefer. Homestay means living with a local family and sharing their daily life. It gives you a unique opportunity to experience the Australian way of life. If you choose Homestay you will be placed in a suitable home within reasonable distance from the school by public transport. You will have your own suitably furnished room or you can share a room if you prefer. Breakfasts and dinners are provided daily.
For an additional small fee Homestay can organise to meet you on arrival at the airport and transport you to your Homestay family. For further information see http://www.homestay.com.au
Hostels and guesthouse accommodation is usually run by organizations such as Youth Hostels Australia and the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) or Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA). This accommodation suits budget-conscious students who wish to be independent and have full facilities available for their own use. You may choose from a range of different rooms (single, double or share), depending on your needs and availability at the time. The bathroom, laundry and kitchen facilities are usually shared in hostel and guesthouse accommodation. For further information see http://www.ywca-sydney.com.au or http://www.yha.org.au
Fully furnished, equipped and serviced apartments provide the opportunity for you to be completely independent. They are usually more costly than Homestay or guesthouse accommodation. If you prefer the comfort and facilities of a hotel, these are available in all price ranges and categories
Living Costs in Sydney
The average international student in Australia spends about $A320 per week on accommodation, food, clothing, entertainment, transport, telephone and incidental costs. For further information on budgeting and finances while you study in Australia go to: http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/sia/en/LivingInAustralia/MoneyMatters.htm
