A former student of Hagley College, Abed Ghandour left New Zealand on 23 January 2022 to take up a position on a fashion degree course in Milan, Italy.

Abed Ghandour studied with the School of Fashion at Hagley College. He has had numerous successes including a win at the Hokonui Fashion Awards.

Abed contributed to the College by mentoring junior students in his own time, to achieve an entry in the Tīaho Fashion awards, demonstrating the school values of Tuakana Taina.

Abed has had a couple of stints at Hagley. Last year his focus was on gaining a wide range of skills with the dream of overseas study. He facilitated his own work experience with Mark Rasmussen, who is an award winning tailor, and went to his studio two days a week to shadow him and learn more about men’s wear.

In Term 4 Abed took a job on the factory floor at Albion clothing to gain an understanding of the wider picture of clothing manufacturing. These actions, along with his folio of work and the support of his family, gained him entry to this fashion degree course in Italy. He begins the course of study in the February intake. The journey was not always smooth or supported; however. Abed has persevered and is following his dreams. I am sure that his name is one to look out for in the future.