Australian Fashion Designer Alex Perry recently gave a masterclass at ICMS, sharing his insights on success in the competitive fashion industry. His message to aspiring designers? There’s no secret formula. Success comes from dedication, resilience, and a strong work ethic. Perry emphasized the importance of starting at the bottom and proving oneself through hard work, rather than relying on connections or privilege.
He encouraged students to embrace entry-level positions and demonstrate their commitment through consistent effort. “Get into a company and prove yourself,” Perry advised. “You may have to be entry level for about three years. Show your work ethic. Once you are in, get attention for all the right reasons.”
Perry, the son of a Greek migrant, spoke about his father’s inspiring work ethic, instilled in him from a young age. He shared his father’s story of arriving in Australia with no English language skills or support network, yet building a successful life through sheer determination. This instilled in Perry a deep understanding of the value of hard work.
He stressed that success isn’t about who you know or where you come from, but about being proactive, solution-oriented, and dedicated to the craft. “Be the person who offers solutions, be proactive and work hard,” Perry stated. This resonated with students like Ava Negri, a third-year Fashion and Global Brand Management student, who found Perry’s message both inspirational and motivating. “I realised there are no tips and tricks. Success is more about hard work,” Negri said.
The masterclass, hosted by the ICMS Fashion and Global Brand Management faculty, offered students a unique opportunity to learn from one of Australia’s most prominent fashion figures. Students praised Perry’s candid and relatable approach, appreciating his willingness to share his experiences and insights. “He’s so energetic and I found him to be really relatable. He doesn’t hold back; he speaks his mind and I appreciate that,” shared Bachelor of Business student, Alexandra Hely.
Beyond hard work, Perry also highlighted the importance of discerning criticism. He advised students to listen to feedback from respected individuals but to ignore negativity from those whose opinions hold less weight. This echoes the sentiment of Theodore Roosevelt’s famous “Man in the Arena” speech, emphasizing the importance of taking action and embracing challenges despite potential criticism. “Listen to criticism from people you respect. Ignore it if it comes from people you don’t,” Perry stated.
Perry’s extensive career includes dressing celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Gigi Hadid, and Jennifer Lopez, and his designs have been featured in renowned publications such as Vogue and Marie Claire. He also served as a judge on Australia’s Next Top Model for ten seasons. The masterclass was a testament to ICMS’s commitment to providing students with real-world industry experience and mentorship. “Giving students the opportunity to immerse themselves in raw and unfiltered industry experiences is at the heart of our commitment to career focused learning at ICMS,” said ICMS Program Manager Nicole Venter.
