Style Profile: Ashantae Faulkner
Tan Lace Print Darted Dress.
Each year, Dilettante presents The Dilettante Award to a standout fashion graduate student from North Metropolitan TAFE, offering them the opportunity to release a collection in collaboration with us. In 2023, this prestigious honour was awarded to Ashantae Faulkner. Designed and handmade in Perth, Ashantae's collection beautifully bridges her creative roots with the refined aesthetic of Dilettante’s clientele. We sat down with Ashantae to explore her inspirations, creative process, and aspirations for the future.
Tan Inverse Lace Print Dress.
Your graduate collection at North Metropolitan TAFE earned you the Dilettante Award in 2023. How did that experience shape your creative process, and how did it compare to designing specifically for Dilettante’s clientele?
My graduate collection drew from a range of influences, mainly exploring the psychological phenomenon of Analysis Paralysis. I incorporated several techniques from my 2023 collection into the Dilettante collection, such as repetitive dart manipulations, textile flocking, and lace patchwork.
The creative process for my graduate collection relied heavily on instinct, trial and error, and “trusting the process.” It was my first time working at such a high skill level on a fast-paced, year-long project. With little time for reflection, I focused on my vision and made it work.
Designing for Dilettante specifically was a natural and progressive experience. I collaborated closely with Diana, who guided me through the nuances of Dilettante’s clientele, advising me on what has resonated well in-store and how my collection could seamlessly align with the existing brands.
As the year went on, I began working on Dilettante’s shop floor, engaging directly with the clientele. This hands-on experience allowed me to build personal connections, ask questions, and observe what clients gravitated toward, from fabrics and colours to prints and silhouettes. It gave me invaluable insight into what sparks interest and resonates with customers when new collections arrive.
Noir Reversible Bow Long Sleeve Top, Noir Layered Lace Wrap Skirt. Rick Owens Dust Beatle Bozo Boots. Laura B Ebony Leela Hug Bag.
What was it like balancing your personal design style with Dilettante’s aesthetic? Did your role as a sales assistant, working closely with clients, influence the way you approached this collection?
Since the collection was a direct extension of my graduate work, it remained closely aligned with my personal vision and previous designs. I feel my aesthetic came through as strongly as Dilettante’s, blending seamlessly.
Working closely with clients as a sales assistant did influence my approach in practical ways. For example, I incorporated features like sleeves and designed a wrap skirt to ensure a more inclusive size range. These adjustments were informed by my firsthand interactions with clients and understanding their preferences.
Noir Lace Print Long Sleeve Darted Dress styled on top of the Noir Reversible Bow Long Sleeve Top and Noir Layered Lace Wrap Skirt. Rick Owens Dust Beatle Bozo Boots.
Designing and making garments by hand is no small feat. What were the most rewarding and challenging aspects of bringing this collection to life, from initial concept to final construction?
Designing for others was initially a daunting and overwhelming challenge—it required me to step outside my comfort zone and put my vision out into the world for others to connect with and critique.
One of the most significant challenges was managing time effectively. As a one-person studio working from my bedroom, balancing work and life often felt like a juggling act. Creative work has a way of distorting time; hours seemed to vanish as I immersed myself in the process. It was an experience that was equally exhilarating and exhausting.
At the same time, the journey was incredibly fulfilling. One of the most meaningful aspects was the honest and thoughtful feedback I received from the Dilettante team. Their insights, drawn from years of experience, not only pushed me to refine my work but also gave me the confidence to trust my abilities. Knowing they believed in my vision was both humbling and empowering.
Hearing client feedback was equally moving—seeing people connect with my designs felt surreal. And when the collection nearly sold out within a week, it was an indescribable moment. It felt like all the late nights, doubts, and hard work had culminated in something truly meaningful.
Left: Noir Reversible Bow Long Sleeve Top, Tan Inverse Lace Print Dress. Laura B Doré Bella Gala Bag. Right: Noir Reversible Bow Long Sleeve Top, Noir Layered Lace Wrap Skirt. Laura B Ebony Leela Hug Bag.
Grading patterns is often a technical hurdle for designers. How did you tackle this aspect of the collection, and what did you learn from the process?
I was first introduced to grading during my first year of fashion studies, but this collection was the first time I had to put that knowledge into practice.
At first, it was a challenging process, especially without access to fit models which made it difficult to assess how the garments would translate across all sizes. Looking ahead, I definitely plan to use fit models for all size ranges. Seeing how the garments fit on various body types will provide valuable insights and help me make more precise alterations to achieve a better overall fit.
Noir Reversible Bow Long Sleeve Top, Tan Lace Print Darted Dress.
Looking back, what moment or piece in this collection stands out as your favourite, and why? How do you see this project influencing your next steps as a designer?
One moment I will always cherish is when I displayed my first pieces in the Dilettante windows. It was a surreal experience to have clients approach me and ask, “Who is this designer?” And for me to shyly reply, “It’s me.” It felt like I was dreaming, especially being able to discuss my work and creative process with clients face-to-face, offering them a rare chance to engage with the designer behind the collection. The mutual excitement and appreciation made the moment even more special.
This opportunity is something I’ll forever be grateful for—it has felt like something that could only happen much further down the line in my career.
Releasing my work through Dilettante has given me clarity on who my potential clientele and market might be, which had previously seemed daunting as an emerging designer. Being the recipient of the Dilettante award has not only given me the confidence I needed but also the momentum to move forward in this fast-paced industry. While the work is demanding and overwhelming at times, the positive feedback I’ve received has fueled my drive to continue creating and developing new collections.
Noir Reversible Bow Long Sleeve Top, Noir Layered Lace Wrap Skirt. Laura B Matte Black Patrizia Baguette Bag. Rick Owens Dust Beatle Bozo Boots.
Your flocking lace print is such a distinctive element in your designs. What inspired you to use this technique, and how does it contribute to the story of the collection?
The inspiration for this print design came from my graduate collection, which was deeply influenced by my love for vintage fabrics and textures. The print itself started as a piece of lace that I cut into organic shapes and layered on top of one another.
The moment I was introduced to the flocking technique in class, I knew it was something I wanted to use. It was such a unique way to create soft, beautiful textures. What made it even more special for me was the process—it didn’t require perfect placement. The more spontaneous and unrefined feel of it was something I really enjoyed.
The flocking gives the fabric a luxurious velvet-like feel, with a soft, shiny appearance. I was drawn to this because it felt like a perfect match for the collection’s theme of timeless elegance—pieces that have the kind of beauty and quality you’d want to keep and treasure.
Tan Lace Print Darted Dress styled underneath the Brown Silk Lace Print Darted Dress. Uma Wang Brown Horse Hair Ballet Shoes.
When you think about your creative identity as a designer, what core themes or ideas do you always aim to communicate through your work?
I feel like my creative identity is still evolving, with plenty of room for growth and exploration. But in my recent work, I’ve been really drawn to the idea of hybrid aesthetics—combining different elements to create something new. One theme that consistently runs through my designs is the balance between ruggedness and elegance, blending dark, grunge-inspired elements with soft, feminine details and shapes.
I’ve always been drawn to a darker, more edgy aesthetic, but through my silhouettes, I also express this softer, more romantic side. I love how the rough exterior contrasts with the delicate details, layering, and fabrics—revealing this quieter, more fragile side of my work. It’s the balance between strength and vulnerability that really resonates with me.
Tan Inverse Lace Print Dress styled underneath the Noir Long Sleeve Darted Dress.
As you look ahead, what are your ambitions and goals for the future? Are there any specific plans or dreams you’re excited to pursue in your career as a designer?
To be honest, I’m still in awe that I’ve just launched my first ready-to-wear collection in a beautiful store that, not long ago, I could only dream of shopping at. Right now, my focus is on embracing new opportunities, just as I’ve done to get to this point.
I’m committed to continuing to design and build my platform here in Perth. I want to challenge the fashion norms and trends, showing people how liberating and empowering it can be to dress yourself every day without feeling bound by the standards that social media and society often sets.
Left: Noir Reversible Bow Long Sleeve Top, Tan Inverse Lace Print Dress. Laura B Doré Bella Gala Bag. Right: Noir Reversible Bow Long Sleeve Top, Noir Layered Lace Wrap Skirt. Laura B Ebony Leela Hug Bag.
Ashantae's collection is available in-store and online now at Dilettante.
Photography by Tülay Dinçel. Modelled by Bianca Paul.