Design career set to flourish with top gong

She got her first taste of fashion design during her schooling years at Safety Bay Senior High School and now former Rockingham resident Joanne Hasson is making waves in the bridal industry.

Mrs Hasson was awarded the people’s choice award for a wedding dress she entered in the Ideal Bride Expo in Brisbane last month.

The expo is arguably one of the most prestigious bridal events held on the east coast every year.

“I felt overwhelmed to win the people’s choice, especially as I was up against some high-profile designers,” Mrs Hasson, who set up her own label called JK Couture, said.

“It was lovely to have so many people coming up to me to let me know how stunning and beautiful my designs were after I was announced as the winner.

Mrs Hasson started sewing at a young age, creating clothes for her dolls until she started making her own school skirts.

She began creating evening wear and designed the dresses she wore to her high school dances.

“My designs come to me in a couple of different ways,” Mrs Hasson said.

“Sometimes an idea might pop into my head and then evolve as I start sewing — other times I see a fabric first and then the design is born.

“The particular design I entered into the expo was created in only a couple of days, but I knew I wanted something flowy that would shine on the runway.”

Mrs Hasson’s dress was modelled by Miss USA 2014 Elizabeth Safrit, who was visiting Australia on a working holiday.

“I love Brisbane and have been based here for 16 years although I still have a great fondness for Rockingham,” Mrs Hasson said.

“I will always remember arguing with the home economics teacher at Safety Bay High because I refused to sew the garments her way and would only sew them my way.

“As for where I want to take my designs in the future, I plan to continue to expand my brand and designs throughout Brisbane and make it on to the New York runway next year.”