Nina Dickie – 2016 - 2020
Tell us about your time at SKC.
My time at St. Kevin's College was impactful and filled with opportunities that shaped my personal and academic journey. One of the highlights was serving as a house captain, where I developed my leadership skills and learned the importance of teamwork and responsibility. This role allowed me to engage with my peers and foster a sense of community within the school.
I spent a lot of time in Mrs. Mellor's room, where I immersed myself in my favourite classes: graphic design and textiles. These subjects ignited my passion for creativity and provided me with essential skills that I carry with me today. Mrs. Mellor became a real inspiration for my future studies in fashion, instilling in me the belief that I could succeed despite the challenges I faced. Her support, along with that of other staff, gave me the courage and strength to continue pursuing my dreams, reinforcing the idea that dyslexia is not a disadvantage but rather a unique strength that allows me to think differently and approach design in innovative ways.
Sports played a crucial role in my experience at St. Kevin's College. I engaged in various activities, including hockey, swimming, basketball, and touch, which not only allowed me to build lifelong friendships but also nurtured a competitive spirit within me. These experiences instilled essential values such as discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, shaping my character in ways that extend beyond the playing field.
I was proud to achieve a merit endorsement in NCEA levels 1, 2, and 3, showcasing my dedication to my studies and commitment to academic excellence. Additionally, I received excellence in vocational pathways, further reinforcing my focus on pursuing a future in design and fashion.
Overall, my time at St. Kevin's College was filled with enriching experiences that laid the groundwork for my future endeavours. Some key highlights are the friendships I formed and the skills I developed, especially the opportunity to coach the boys' first XI hockey team in year 13 and see them develop and thrive at tournament week. The lessons I learned will always hold a special place in my heart as I continue my journey in life.
What have you been doing since leaving SKC?
After graduating from SKC, I took a leap and moved to Wellington to study Spatial Design at Massey University. While I enjoyed the creative aspects of spatial design, by my second year, I found myself drawn to the world of fashion. This led me to change my degree to Fashion Design, a decision that uncovered a passion for garment-making and designing with a purpose.
Throughout my four-year journey in fashion, I focused on creating designs that empower women, promote body positivity, and encourage confidence. My design philosophy has always been rooted in the idea that
clothing should make people feel strong, beautiful, and comfortable. Each year of study offered a new avenue to develop these themes, refine my skills, and push my creative boundaries.
In my second year, I embarked on a project that explored versatility in fashion. I took inspiration from Te Papa's 1894 wedding dress collection, where I studied historical garments to create modern, adaptable
designs with detachable elements. These pieces were designed to be multifunctional, transforming easily to suit different occasions and seasons. This project taught me the importance of versatility and timelessness in clothing and set the tone for future designs centred on practicality and elegance.
The third year allowed me to explore more complex themes. I investigated how emotions can be communicated through garment silhouettes and detailing. This led to a deeper exploration of body positivity, where I experimented with lingerie and swimwear that celebrated the beauty in every curve, scar, and unique feature. In a world fixated on flawless appearances, I wanted to design pieces that honour real bodies. Each item became a canvas of self-love, telling stories of resilience, growth, and acceptance. My goal was to create pieces that encourage everyone to view their body as a masterpiece—imperfect yet profoundly beautiful.
Business wear became a focus for me that same year. I designed a blazer that seamlessly combined the sophistication of business attire with a relaxed, wearable style. Inspired by Dior's iconic New Look, I wanted to create a timeless piece that could be dressed up or down, exuding effortless elegance. This project deepened my interest in garments that are both functional and stylish, allowing people to feel strong, capable, and confident in any setting.
In my fourth and final year, I developed a thesis project on the journey of women in motorsport—a field I've been passionate about since childhood. My thesis examined the stereotypes and barriers women face in this traditionally male-dominated arena and emphasized the importance of visibility and inclusivity. I wanted to explore how fashion can challenge these stereotypes, promote empowerment, and celebrate the achievements of women in motorsport. The result was a five-look collection, Pole Position, designed to reflect the strength, resilience, and visibility of these incredible women. It was thrilling to see my research and design skills come together, creating pieces that not only represent the excitement and dynamism of motorsport but also stand as symbols of empowerment and equality.
Creating Pole Position was a transformative experience. From researching materials to constructing each piece, I discovered the power of storytelling through fashion. My collection showcases racing-inspired elements with a feminine twist, blending functionality and style to support and celebrate women in this exhilarating field. As I look toward the future, I'm excited about continuing to push the boundaries of fashion, exploring themes of empowerment and designing clothing that resonates with real people.
This journey has taught me the incredible impact fashion can have on identity, confidence, and culture. I'm inspired to continue creating designs that uplift, empower, and break barriers—just as I've aimed to do with Pole Position.
What do you plan to do after study?
I've just completed my Bachelor of Design with Honours, majoring in Fashion Design, and am thrilled to have reached this milestone. As I look toward the future, I'm considering pursuing a Master's in Fashion Design to deepen my knowledge, refine my technical skills, and explore more specialized areas of design. Engaging in a Master's program excites me, as it would allow me to tackle complex challenges in the fashion industry, such as sustainability and inclusivity while enhancing my design capabilities.
In addition to continuing my education, I'm eager to explore travel opportunities overseas to gain international experience. Travelling and working abroad would expose me to diverse cultures, innovative design practices, and new perspectives that would enrich my work. I believe that immersing myself in different fashion ecosystems will open my eyes to fresh ideas and trends, helping me grow as a designer.
By pursuing a Master's degree and travelling, I aim to create a well-rounded foundation for my future career. I hope to gain insights that will inform my projects, whether that involves developing my own brand or collaborating with established labels. Balancing further studies with international experiences will be a vital step in my journey, allowing me to become a more impactful and versatile designer in the ever-evolving fashion landscape.
How did SKC shape you for life outside of school?
St. Kevin's College shaped and equipped me with essential skills and values that shaped my future. Through leadership roles, I developed confidence, responsibility, and teamwork, which are crucial in any collaborative environment.
The creative environment fostered my passion for fashion design, helping me embrace my dyslexia as a unique strength that allows me to think outside the box. This perspective has been invaluable in my approach to problem-solving and innovation.
Participating in various sports instilled discipline, resilience, and a competitive spirit, teaching me the importance of perseverance in pursuing my goals. My academic achievements reflected my dedication and commitment to excellence, laying a strong foundation for my career.
Starting my coaching journey at St Kevin's laid the foundation for my development in hockey coaching, which, over the years, I have continued to build on. Coaching Onslow College's first XI girls has allowed me to relive the excitement of tournament week from a different perspective. Watching a team achieve and grow under my guidance has been incredibly fulfilling, there's truly nothing more rewarding than seeing them succeed.
Overall, my experiences at St. Kevin's cultivated a sense of community, creativity, leadership, resilience and confidence, all of which I will continue to carry forward with me into the future.
Article added: Wednesday 13 November 2024