Port Elliot designer Jacky Ayres is the creative mind behind altereds school uniforms for Schoolies

Meet the Port Elliot designer behind so many of the altered school uniforms at Schoolies – all with parental permission, of course.

It has become almost like a rite of passage for graduating girls on their way to Schoolies to get their uniform altered by Port Elliot’s famous dress designer.

Jacky Ayres started the tradition when her eldest daughter Lacey graduated from high school about 10 years ago.

Ms Ayres remembers her daughter’s classmates simply cutting their uniforms up or signing their names on each other’s school shirts – but Ms Ayres wanted to do something special.

The 56-year-old designer recalls how after her first Schoolies uniform alterations the tradition was picked up by the graduates in the following year.

This year she had 91 customers.

Designer Jacky Ayres with Deriney Haydon, 18, Molly Howlett, 18, and Rylee Hann, 17 and their modified Schoolies uniform. Picture: Morgan Sette

“Each year it has kind of evolved into being quite special,” she said.

“I help them get well made outfits that fit different body types and look really nice because of the different little details. I add white lace and some frills.

“I’ve been doing it for quite a few years now, I’ve got quite a library of outfits in my photos and online on my Instagram.”

This year, one school leaver who followed the local tradition of altering her uniform was Rylee Hann, 17, from Victor Harbor, who knew Ms Ayres as a family friend.

Rylee said she came to Ms Ayres with a design in mind but quickly received suggestions in how to elevate her Schoolies outfit.

“We had a discussion about what it would look like on the fake mannequin and we discussed the different options I could do,” she said.

“Jacky is just very supportive on your own decision and she’ll do her very best to make your vision come into reality, which is awesome.

Another reason Jacky’s uniform alteration services are so popular is because the parents can be assured she’ll alter their children’s uniform to their needs.

Rylee had her mother be present for the design and alterations appointments, which allowed everyone involved to give their approval on the final result.

School leavers Tyla Hancock, 18, Mia Jukic, 18, Lara Higgins, 18, Maddie Rodda, 18, Grace White, 18, Ella Holmes, 18, from Blackwood High School at BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks for Schoolie. Picture: Morgan Sette

Rylee said that having her mum there “helped her heaps”.

“She actually came with me because I’m the type of person who’s very indecisive, so it was good to have my mum there with me.”

Ms Ayres said so far all the parents of her young customers have been happy.

“I think it’s because mine actually fit,” she said. “They’re not getting any gaping, it’s secure and tied securely with the straps so that when they’re dancing it’s not going to move or fall down.”

The dressmaker has also created wedding designs and formal outfits, in addition to her Schoolies work but is yet to have a boy to use her services.