E Nolan: Redefining Tailoring and Inclusivity – A Whitehouse Fashion Graduate Success Story
Melbourne is known for producing some of Australia’s newest fashion talent — and one of the brightest examples of that creativity is Emily Nolan, founder and creative director of E Nolan, a luxury tailoring label dedicated to made-to-measure suiting for women and LGBTQIA+ people.
A 2016 graduate of the Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design) program at Whitehouse Institute of Design, Australia, Melbourne Campus, Emily has built a brand that’s redefining what contemporary fashion can — and should — be.
From Whitehouse Graduate to Industry Innovator
Emily’s journey into fashion began at Whitehouse Institute of Design in Melbourne, where she honed her craft in garment construction, tailoring, pattern-making, illustration, and design innovation. The immersive, studio-based degree gave her not only the technical skills to master tailoring, but also the critical thinking and industry understanding needed to launch a brand with purpose.
After graduating in 2016, Emily combined her sharp design sensibility with a deep commitment to inclusivity — launching E Nolan in Melbourne, a brand that quickly gained national attention for its focus on bespoke, made-to-measure suiting that celebrates individuality and diversity.
A Brand Built on Fit, Identity, and Empowerment
At its core, E Nolan is about more than tailoring — it’s about belonging. The brand was founded on the belief that everyone deserves clothing that not only fits their body but also reflects their identity.
In an industry still dominated by gendered norms and limited sizing, E Nolan creates custom suits for women, non-binary, and LGBTQIA+ clients, rejecting the “one-size-fits-all” approach and embracing the power of fashion as self-expression. Each garment is handcrafted in Melbourne with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring the perfect fit while minimising waste and overproduction.
This values-driven approach — rooted in inclusivity, sustainability, and craftsmanship — has earned Emily widespread recognition, features in major fashion publications including Harper’s Bazaar, and a loyal following of clients around the world.
Emily’s story reflects what sets a Whitehouse fashion education apart. The Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design) at Whitehouse is designed to prepare students not just for today’s fashion industry, but for the future of design — one that values innovation, individuality, and impact.
Students are immersed in hands-on studio learning from day one, working closely with industry professionals and creative mentors. With a strong focus on technical mastery, conceptual development, and professional practice, Whitehouse graduates leave with the skills, confidence, and entrepreneurial mindset to start their own labels or join leading fashion houses.
Today, E Nolan stands as one of Australia’s most exciting contemporary tailoring labels — and a powerful example of how fashion can celebrate diversity and empower individuals.
For current and future students, Emily’s journey is a reminder that a career in fashion can be more than a job — it can be a platform to challenge conventions, tell meaningful stories, and make people feel seen.
And it all started right here: in the studios of Whitehouse Institute of Design, Australia’s Melbourne campus.
