A Gary Bigeni design is unmistakable. Known for his bold use of colour, fluid silhouettes and inclusive approach, his work has graced runways for over two decades. While he has made his mark on the fashion world, he has also been inspiring young creatives at IGS, sharing his expertise and passion for design with the next generation.
Bigeni’s passion for textiles started early. Growing up with a hearing disability, he developed a deep connection to colour and shape as a way of interpreting the world. Encouraged by his mother, he began sewing at 11, crafting clothes for his secret stash of Barbies and staging playground runway shows. His talent led him to East Sydney Technical College, where he honed his skills before launching his first collection at Australian Fashion Week in 2003. Bigeni also teaches Design and Construction at UTS and runs monthly community sewing groups for Mission Australia.
Beyond his success in fashion, Bigeni has been quietly inspiring the next generation of designers at IGS. For the past three years, he has run Sewing Club, where students explore textiles and garment-making well before high school. One of the club’s foundational members, Xanthia, shared that she loves the sessions because they are relaxing and allow her to create something tangible. Students beam with excitement each session. They spend their time bouncing ideas around, listening to music and chatting, all while rethreading sewing machines, draping mannequins and hand sewing in zippers. Students follow their passions in the club, being supported to create pillows, jewellery and other garments.
Bigeni’s journey—from a young boy fascinated by colour and fabric to a renowned designer—has come full circle. While he continues to make waves in the fashion industry, his impact at IGS is just as profound. His dedication to sharing his craft with students reflects the generosity and passion that define his career, and we are incredibly fortunate to have someone of his calibre commit his time to fostering creativity in our community.
Read more about Gary here.
