ABOUT
I am an ambitious, compassionate, diligent, resilient and sustainability-focused creative interested in all aspects of fashion design, promotion, sales, styling and merchandising. With a focal point on buying.
I relate to urban style, streetwear and tailoring. However, I am drawn to the peaceful simplicity, yet awe-inspiring atmosphere of rural landscapes.
Having completed two years of BA (Hons) Fashion Design at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) I undertook a Placement Year at , premium British menswear, in London, as a Buyer. Returning to NTU for my final year, I have chosen to adopt the more commercial modules and will graduate in BA (Hons) International Fashion Business.
EXPERIENCE
INDUSTRY PRACTICE
I secured a position as a Buying and Studio Intern at the studio in Farringdon for my placement year. With a team of ten in the studio, I had wide ranging roles including: designing both core items and one off collaborative logos and garments; fabric choice; quality control at their factories in NE London; stock control; relationship management with collaborating designers and suppliers; co-lead a large summer sale in the Portobello Store; trend research and competitor analysis; pitching for new business locations, e.g. within the Harvey Nichols store in Kuwait; diversifying our portfolio to include homeware and lifestyle products; organising the buying department when my supervisors had business trips; and even putting display shelves up!
In addition, I undertook independent design work. For example, when tasked with creating a simple tote bag, I went beyond the brief, proposing more functional options. One of my designs was selected for production and is now available to buy.
At the end of my formal placement period I was asked to take on a Sales Assistant role and had the responsibility of running the Kings Road store, mostly on my own, as well as supporting other stores in Portobello Road, the flagship store on Marylebone High Street and our stand at the Chelsea Flower Show (see video).
Through completing this internship, I received a Diploma of Professional Practice from NTU.
SKILLS
HARD SKILLS
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Trend Analysis & Market Research
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Buying & Merchandising Processes
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Budgeting & Financial Planning
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Supplier Relations & Production Management
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Range Planning & Assortment Strategy
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Adobe, Buying & Retail Software
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Design Illustrations, Pattern Cutting & Garment Manufacture
SOFT SKILLS
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Teamwork & Collaboration in a Professional Environment
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Adaptability & Problem-Solving
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Decision-Making & Attention to Detail
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Commercial Awareness & Trend Awareness
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Hierarchy Understanding
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Communication Skills
PART TIME WORK
Waiter at The Pig, a high profile restaurant and bar in the New Forest (December/January 2019/2020 and August to December 2020).
Head Barman at The Filly Inn, a newly refurbished gastropub (various times throughout 2021-23).
SUSTAINABILITY
My future aspirations are influenced by sustainability. Since I first took a serious interest in fashion when I was 15 I have always been interested in environmental sustainability.
During A-levels I wrote a 5,000 word Extended Project Qualification (dissertation), titled “Sustainable Fashion: Marketing Trick or Market Shift?” analysing the issues of sustainability and greenwashing within fashion. This educated me on just how damaging the industry is.
During my first year at NTU in Fashion Design I worked on a project making a jacket from surplus material. Little did I know at the time how relevant this would be to my placement year!
Sustainability carried through to my placement year at , who have a big focus on environmental responsibility and it is one of their founding ethos. They use surplus fabrics from suppliers from previous seasons for approximately one third of their garments, and for the rest they use mostly organic materials. They also try to manufacture as much as they can in the UK to reduce their carbon footprint, and use high quality fabrics so that the clothing lasts a lifetime.
At , among many other things, I learnt about how authentic an organisation has to be to remain responsible in the fashion business. I had great respect for their strategy and showed me that not only is it possible to be ethically responsible, but also solidified that it will be fundamental to my future career path.
In my future career ambitions, I aspire to build a career at the intersection of sustainability with fashion buying and design, focussing on menswear in the luxury fashion market. I am inspired by brands like Vivienne Westwood and Saint Laurent. I am passionate about bringing timeless craftsmanship together with innovation and eco-conscious practices. Aiming to work with high-end fashion houses that prioritise ethical sourcing, responsible production, and sustainable materials, helping to shape a future where luxury and environmental responsibility coexist seamlessly is something I would strive to bring to the industry.
