Michelle Willson
- Costume and Wardrobe Department
- Costume Designer
I am a dedicated, organized and methodical individual who has been in the fashion and costume industry for over 35 years.
I was born to design and create, spending many hours in my fathers shoe factory making clothes for my dolls and shoes out of scrap leather at the age of 7. After receiving a 'Certificate of Excellence' in all Art subjects at Methodist Ladies College I went onto Box Hill College of TAFE to learn the skill of pattern making, fashion design and machining.
My first job was as a Junior pattern maker at Kayser/Hilton Lingerie and after a couple of years I moved to Holeproof (A Division of Pacific Dunlop) Underwear company. I designed Underwear for their brands such as 'Antz Pantz', 'No Knickers', 'Holeproof Heroes' and numerous 'house brands' for Myer, Big W, Kmart and Best and Less.
My sales, design and pattern making background enabled me to successfully obtain the roll as Product Manager and I was fortunate enough to travel the world buying samples, designing ranges and organizing production out of factories in China.
By the mid 90's I was offered the opportunity to start up the Holeproof Womens Sleepwear business, designing, selling and overseeing production (from size specs, lab dips, quality control etc) and achieved all sales budgets.
In the year 2000 Holeproof did a collaboration with Kylie Minogue and I was part of the team who designed her range of underwear under the name 'Love Kylie'. Working directly with Kylie I created story boards to start off the design process of her underwear range.
Throughout the years I have also custom made wedding dresses, bridesmaids dresses and costumes for friends, family and the public.
My interest in the costume industry, along with my experience in the field of art/design/pattern making led me to successfully obtain work in this area. The TV shows I have worked on (doing alterations/designing/making/mending) are:
* How To Stay Married
* The Newsreader
* Spreadsheet
* Surviving Summer Season 1 and 2
* La Brea season 2 (14 episodes) employed as a 'cutter'.
* Ricky Stanicky
I am interested in obtaining future work and would be delighted for any opportunities.
I am interested in obtaining future work and would be delighted for any opportunities.