Rebecca Tannant, 24, won the top all round excellence award at New Zealand Fashion Tech’s 2015 graduation showcase last month.

Her collection of black Victorian-inspired bridal gowns was the most expensive product in her class, with a retail value of $3000.

Winning the top award was a shock for Tannant, who said the calibre of her classmates’ work was very high.

“It was a complete shock. I was happy with my collection, but I worked so closely with everyone else in the class and saw all the work they were putting in, too,” she said.

Despite getting hands-on experience with fashion only when she started her diploma two years ago, Tannant has always loved fashion.

“My mum told me I’ve always wanted to do fashion and I would draw little wedding dress online when I was young.

“I’ve always been creative, I don’t want an office job, I want to make stuff.”

Tannant won the award for her final assignment of the diploma, creating a mini collection in six weeks.

During the research phase of her collection, she became smitten with Victorian fashion, particularly the mourning attire.

“I found the clothes really beautiful and extravagant with their big fans and umbrellas. I loved the detail in it, so I went from there.”

Her original plan to do traditional white wedding dresses was squashed when the cost of white lace was prohibitive.

For Tannant, who describes her style as “rocky, but not goth”, working with black fabric was her way of expressing her own style.

She is now figuring out what to do with the cheap bridesmaid dresses, which are taking up space in her wardrobe.

“I don’t want to part with them because they’re my first collection, but I can’t just wear them any old day.’

Tannant is looking for a job in evening or bridal wear in Wellington.

Her goals for her career in the fashion industry are relatively low-key.

“I don’t want to be the next Trelise Cooper. I just want to have my own little shop, where I can make pretty dresses.”