"My research began through questioning my own practice in garment creation and the desire to investigate new and, in some cases, old possibilities within this area of creative garment cutting."
Many of the garments in the collection can be worn a number of different ways and they will not look dated next season.
"The amount of fabric in them means that they can be re-made in to different garments or easily mended as well.
Ms West said her students were another motivator for completing her study.
"Any learning I do further develops my personal practice and critical thinking, which flows through into the classroom and benefits my students," she said.
Ms West has worked with Auckland designer Jane Yeh and in the design room for Pacific Brands as well as a costume designer for theatre and film.
Her passion has also lead her to volunteer overseas, teaching sewing to teenage girls in Mozambique and helping with product design for a business in Kolkata, India, which provides employment to at risk women.
The designer said she is inspired by Yohji Yamamoto and other modern Japanese designers who work sustainably.
Escapology is on display in the Community Arts Centre Gallery, 19 Taupo Quay from 10am until 4pm today and 10am until 1pm on Saturday.
