read what other designers have to say about moulage

If you would like to know what other designers think about what they have learned in the studio with Mieke and how their experience has impacted on their career, read some student testimonials below:

“Mastering techniques of moulage under the guidance of Mieke's precise eye has been an integral stage in the development of my career. Embedding techniques of perfect practice alongside studies on masters and time for personal creation in an intimate studio environment brought about discussion and instigated ideas. Through focused practice with constructive criticism, Mieke's professional and personalized approach developed my understanding of true design, fueling my ideas to transform into new tangible form marked with my unique signature. I greatly respect and thank Mieke for the sense of integrity she has instilled in me in regard to design and life and her generosity and encouragement which has given me confidence to work at an international level. My most recent experience has been working making patterns in the atelier of Martin Grant Paris.”

“The two moulage/draping courses that I completed with Mieke Leppens were integral to my development as a designer. Working with the fabric in moulage has developed my creativity and is integral to helping me be original in my designs. I recommend this course to anyone that is looking at investing in their future as a designer to give you a unique advantage and ability to realize your creativity.”

Bianca Spender. Designer (Sydney)

“Working with Mieke helped me think outside the square. The techniques I learned were invaluable. I learned how to take my creativity to the next level as my skills in draping/moulage were so vastly improved that they enhanced my design process.”

“I started at Mieke's studio in January 2007. When I first went to learn …I was frustrated and asked if doing fashion design really was the right decision for me in life. Yes I loved fashion and design, but I felt trapped, and began second guessing myself. Then I decided to go to Mieke, unable to even hold a pin, and to my surprise, and relief, the moment we started, it felt like this was what I was missing, and needing in my education. Learning of how the fabric falls on the body, the understanding of the form and the basic design lines opened my mind, and freed me from this thinking that I can't do fashion.
From there I kept practicing and in June of that year, I did the second phase of the moulage course and continued my rapid learning. I kept practicing at home, and in my friends’ studio, and now I currently do a collection of my own in London. It has shown me that if you’re learning these rules and grounding that you can take your thoughts and imagination to the limits and you develop the understanding of original and conceptual design that has your own personal signature on it. It develops your own style through developing your technique. I credit what I am doing now and my ability to do fashion to having learning this craft, and the way in which Mieke has taught it to us. The studio environment is fantastic, and the way which she shows you how the exercise is to be done and allows to you to execute it and watches you from afar, allowing you to feel relaxed, and proceed, but stepping in to help if need be, or to make you think about something and get you to look and learn if you begin to make a mistake. It is learning that sticks with you because you are doing it yourself, in 3D, through guidance. Any bad habits and wrong doings are being smoothed out from the beginning in a mature working environment. Her knowledge is amazing and I thank God we have her in Australia, teaching us because our industry needs this to future its advancement. It is the best thing I could have done, and intend to come back and do the final and last stage of the moulage class' towards the end of this year after my show!

Roy Storch (London)

“I have studied with Dr Mieke Leppens for a year, studying the full three stage course in Master Class, Moulage and Draping. During this time I have found the course to be most helpful in the fashion industry as Australian constructions methods are evolving. The course has allowed me to design and pattern make garments that are not made possible through flat patterns and it has also increased my speed. I strongly recommend undergoing the course if you are in the fashion industry to aid in the understanding of construction and construction possibilities.”

Caitlin Lee, Free Lance Designer (Sydney)

“It was my first time ever using the mannequin as a form for designing. Mieke brought my creative senses alive. She taught simple but very valuable techniques to drape onto the mannequin which ensured you were not only able to be creative but to then successfully transfer your creations onto the flat pattern. I have taken intro, intermediate and advanced classes with her which immensely helped with my designer role at Carla Zampatti. I am currently taking my master class with her. I am now co-owner of a new young label called Tato Y Memi where I create everything through what Mieke thought me.”

 Emon Designer/Director Tato Y Memi

"I studied Fashion Design at both East Sydney Design Studio & The Whitehouse School of Design from 2000-2003. Since then, I have been a student at AECUDE, where Mieke Leppens has been mentoring me to discover and develop my own style using the techniques of moulage.

It wasn’t until my graduating year in 2003 that I developed a strong interest for moulage. Mieke introduced me to the techniques of moulage, which saw my graduating collection showcased in the Powerhouse Museum, Student of The Year Exhibition. Since then, I have continued to focus my studies in moulage at AECUDE, with Mieke guiding me through the development of my own collection as well as creations for private clients, applying the traditional techniques of Haute Couture.

Moulage has allowed me the freedom to explore design in a way that I previously found difficult with basic flat pattern making. It has given me a creative edge by teaching me how to manipulate fabric to form a unique design. I now view couture and garment making as a 3D form of art, with every design been moulded & sculptured into a unique creation.

Mieke has taught me the important fundamentals of moulage and provides an inspirational atmosphere that influences me to explore and experiment all the possibilities in design. I would not be the designer I am today without the knowledge of moulage or the guidance and support Mieke has given me over the past few years."

Shan Richards, Designer Couture and Artist