Q&A with Tamsin Cooper

At around the age of 21, she set up and managed Planet Media – an OUSA company providing promotional and media opportunities in the student market, including Radio One and Critic. She has been an arts advisor at the Dunedin City Council, as well as the DCC's business advisor for film, fashion and tertiary education, promoting Dunedin as a place to study. She also co-presented the 13-part television series Hearts in Crafts, a New Zealand crafts show made for TVNZ 7 and TVNZ Heartland.

However, it is as a fashion designer that she is best known, producing a range of luxury clothing and accessories, incorporating vintage styles, hand embroidery and beautiful silks. 2013 marked 10 years since her label was first launched in Arrowtown; it was also the 60th anniversary of the Royal New Zealand Ballet. To celebrate this occasion, Tamsin was commissioned to design an “Anniversary” collection, both inspired by the ballet company and worn by its dancers when it was debuted at Dunedin's 2013 ID Fashion Week. This year Tamsin accompanied the ballet company's tour to the US, creating clothing and accessories to be worn by the dancers at an opening night event in New York.

How has your Otago degree helped shape your life and career path?

Massively. My degree and training in Theatre Studies have had a huge influence in my life and business. I've used skills from my degree in public speaking, presenting the TV show Hearts in Crafts, working with media and networking successfully in business.

My love of theatre continually inspires my creative process. Elements of theatre are woven in to all of my fashion collections, from style references to use of colour and themes. I also see drama as the absolute key to bringing my designs to life on the catwalk and to keeping my audience on the edge of their seats.

What are some the best memories of your University days?

The Capping Shows were a great time – I was in a Centennial Show with a group of theatre peers. We were a tad naughty post-show to say the least! There was a double bed on the Regent Theatre stage and we dared each other to stay in the double bed overnight. Cleaners came through in the middle of the night with torches and found us, so we were forced to exit the stage.

Going to Otago was a highlight in my life. I felt like I was obtaining the best degree possible in a subject I was passionate about. It was a very formative time, and I'm proud to call myself an Otago graduate – in fact I wish I could do it all over again.

You're on the committee for the upcoming Allen Hall Theatre reunion …

Yes, Allen Hall is turning 100 years old. It's a privilege being involved and I'm thrilled to be seeing so many fellow Theatre Studies alumni doing so well. Two hundred plus alumni have already said they're coming. Highlights of the reunion weekend will include pop up plays, and a red carpet party, with paparazzi. Roger Hall has given us a special play to perform in honour of the centenary.

Memories of your residential college?

I loved Selwyn. It was a fantastic, formative time and I made many wonderful friendships. Of course, we got up to all sorts – probably none I should mention! One of the tamer tricks was the annual “naming ceremony” – every year half a dozen Selwynites were “christened” nicknames. I was named “Abel”, as in "Abel Tasman"… ask no more!

Memories of your graduation?

It felt like a significant day in my life, an important achievement to mark. I still have my sun-bleached degree framed on the wall above me in the office of my new boutique. I was one of the first seven students to graduate with a major in Theatre Studies. Before 1996, students could only minor in it. We had a special small ceremony in Allen Hall Theatre and I was moved to know I was in the first group of a very special degree.

Personal and career highlights so far?

I feel honoured to have a close relationship with the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Last year at ID Fashion Week, my theatre degree came strongly into play. I created a catwalk show to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Royal New Zealand Ballet and my 10th anniversary, incorporating Royal New Zealand Ballet ballerinas who danced en pointe down the catwalk, led by Miranda Adams, with the associate concert master of the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra playing Tchaikovsky on her violin. The show received rave reviews.

My qualifications heavily influence my creative process and business. This year at ID Fashion Week I was also inspired by theatre and my recent trip to new York with the Royal New Zealand Ballet – my debut collection of luxury men's suit jackets was launched by the Royal New Zealand Ballet's Loughlan Prior and peers, who performed a piece especially choreographed by Loughlan for the catwalk, accompanied by models and assisted by Otago rugby players. The music for the collection was composed by New York DJ, Morgan T. Stuart.

What are your plans for the future?

Exciting things are in the wind, including many more collaborations. Watch this space …