Kayleigh Wyllie

Profile

Through sharing ideas, collaborating on projects, and showcasing her creativity at the 2025 Degree Show, Kayleigh’s journey of self-discovery and personal growth has inspired her to explore new avenues in the fashion industry.

She is excited to see where this new path leads, as she celebrates her graduation day armed with new skills, a broader network, and a deeper understanding of herself.

What programme did you study, and why did you choose it?

I studied fashion, as having taken fashion in high school, I gained an interest in how garments are made, which gave me the drive to see what else I could make. I have always been creative, taking art and design throughout my time at school, and it became a comfort and something I looked forward to each day. By the end of high school, I found that I preferred designing, finding satisfaction in seeing a design go from a drawing to a physical garment. I also loved working with my hands, so when I saw the fashion courses, I thought to myself, this might be the best course for me to do to push my creativity.

How has the University aided your professional and personal development?

Attending Heriot-Watt taught me a lot about myself, from my likes and dislikes to figuring out my design identity. During my four years, I have had the chance to take different modules, including written-based, digital and practical modules, with access to the amazing facilities in the sewing workshop. I have also built up my professionalism by working closely with lecturers, technicians and my fellow students.

Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind your designs at the Degree Show and how it felt to showcase these?

The inspiration behind my final honours collection was my culture and heritage, and loosely my late dad’s journey through life. I was born in the Philippines and moved to Scotland after my dad passed away in late 2009. So, with this collection, I want to show the harmony of mixing two cultures, and my dad’s life journey, of how he grew up in Scotland, moved to the Philippines and made his life over there. Taking inspiration from traditional clothing, architecture and the national flowers of both countries, I wanted this collection to have a structured but contemporary feel to it.

It felt amazing to finally see all my work displayed at the Degree Show and have my garments showcased as part of the catwalk. The first catwalk show I was slightly nervous for, as no one outside of the University or those I worked with during the creation of this collection had seen it, but as soon as I saw it on the catwalk, I had the biggest smile on my face and a massive sense of relief. I had such a fun experience working with the models, seeing other students’ work being displayed and getting a chance to speak about the work I had done.

What’s your favourite / most memorable moment from your time as a Heriot-Watt student?

This is such a hard question, as the past four years have been a whirlwind experience. I started off in halls and met some amazing people there, creating lifelong friendships and connections. I would have to say my fourth year has been the best year since I started University, as I have always been excited to create my own collection. In my fourth year I became more confident in my design identity and learnt more about who I want to be as a designer. In my last year, I have also gotten so much closer to other students in my course, making some really good friends. Looking back, it is the growth, creativity, and connections I have made, especially in my final year, that have been the best part of my time at Heriot-Watt University.

What advice do you have for current students?

For current students, the biggest thing is to enjoy it, take in every lesson, every moment and every experience, because every part of it, whether exciting, difficult or unexpected, plays a role in who you become as a person and a designer.

What are you planning to do after you graduate?

I have been given the opportunity to go to the Graduate Fashion Week in London. Following this, I would like to think about travelling for a bit while also applying to multiple jobs in the industry and not limiting myself to Scotland, as the thought of moving to a new city very much appeals to me.