How can we build healthier fashion classrooms?
This was the question that first brought our community together in 2022, sparking heartfelt conversations about the intersection of fashion and mental health. Since then, we’ve continued to see how these discussions can create ripple effects—encouraging reflection, inspiring action, and shaping change within fashion education itself.
One of the most inspiring outcomes of that dialogue comes from Olivia (@oh_liv_i_ya), a participant from our original campaign, who has since turned her lived experience into meaningful academic research. This month, in honour of World Mental Health Day (October 10), we’re proud to share her journey: a story of curiosity, courage, and care that reimagines what fashion education could look like when wellbeing takes centre stage.
Here we speak to Olivia and reflect on her mental health journey over this past two years.
FF: Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about what you’re currently studying/working on in fashion? How did you first come across FASHINFIDELITY, and what made you decide to respond to our Fashion Education and Mental Health campaign two years ago?
FF: What inspired you to write a full research report on this topic?
FF: Can you walk us through the process of turning your reflections into a research project? What was it like and what did it teach you?
FF: Can you walk us through the process of turning your reflections into a research project? What were some of the main challenges, themes or issues you uncovered in your research?
FF: What kind of response did your report receive from your peers, university, family, etc? What was it like and what did it teach you?
FF: Were there any wins, changes, or follow up conversations that gave you a sense of hope or momentum?
FF: How are you championing mental health and wellbeing in your current journey or pursuits in fashion? And what changes would you like to see in fashion education to better support students in this area?
FF: Appreciate this conversation, Olivia! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us and our readers.
Olivia’s journey shows that change in fashion education begins when students and educators are willing to speak up and listen. Her research highlighted how rigid structures, unrealistic workloads, and the deeply personal nature of creative study can affect mental wellbeing — but also how empathy, flexibility, and open dialogue can transform the learning experience.
From her findings and initiatives at RMIT, three clear lessons stand out:
- Voice matters. Speaking about your experience — whether as a student or educator — can spark change and help others feel seen.
- Flexibility supports creativity. Adaptable study options and mental health resources allow fashion students to thrive rather than burn out.
- Community heals. Small acts like peer connection spaces, open panels, and creative wellbeing events remind us that no one should navigate this journey alone.
We hope you enjoyed this interview. If you are a student at RMIT School of Fashion and Textiles, do check out this e-zine on how to find support on-campus. Olivia is yet to graduate from her course as she is undertaking the degree part-time. Once she graduates, Olivia would love find opportunities within the social enterprise space. Please share this post if Olivia’s research and messaging resonates with people you know. Take care of yourselves x
Ps: All images used within Olivia’s videos are Copyright of RMIT University Student Union, 2024 and used with permission.
