Fashion BA(Hons): After you graduate

"I knew I wanted to get into the fashion industry and Kingston was reputed to have a very strong course. It was also known to foster relationships which strengthened work experience and employment opportunities. The University's proximity to London was another key factor as fashion students need to attend exhibitions, stores, museums and galleries.

"The course was extremely challenging, competitive and fun, which is a good indication of what the industry is like. There was a good balance of both highly creative and very commercial projects often set by people from the fashion industry making the challenges more convincing.  The student fashion show before graduation was the most exciting and testing time, while the field trips were a highlight of the course – we travelled to Paris to attend fashion shows and exhibitions and I also assisted at a fabric show in Milan. 

"After graduating I moved to New York. I worked for a few small companies and then landed a job as a designer at A/X Armani Exchange. Following that I moved into jeanswear, becoming Senior Designer at cK Calvin Klein Jeans, I then went to the cK Calvin Klein bridge line – meaning it bridges the gap between luxury and ready-to-wear clothing – and was soon promoted to Design Director of Womenswear. The collection I design consists of about 250 pieces each season compiled of wovens, knits and sweaters.

"I enjoy my work immensely. Although my position is senior I am still very hands-on and work creatively with my design team putting together colours, fabrics and ideas. I travel extensively to London, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore and LA to attend fittings, meetings, market research or sometimes just vintage clothing shopping. This is definitely one of the inspiring and enjoyable highlights of my job. I also get to work with very interesting and talented people – such as renowned fashion stylists – putting together looks for our international advertising campaigns. Seeing our hard work finally come together is extremely satisfying.

"Kingston gave me a solid grounding in all aspects of what I do in my day-to-day work. The course is very well-rounded and the practical skills that you learn are invaluable. It strengthened my drawing ability, which is vital when communicating your designs to a tailor.  Presentation skills, pattern-making and understanding garment construction are also all key.  Being able to sketch and make an interesting presentation is imperative to getting your foot in the door at most design companies.

"Many fashion companies are very aware of Kingston graduates and I have employed its students, knowing that to get through the course they have to be dedicated and hard-working, as well as strong designers with a commercial mind-set.

"Fashion is a demanding industry, the hours can be long and the deadlines tight, but the work can be creative and fun. There can also be a lot of international travel and good financial rewards. If fashion is your creative outlet then Kingston is one of the best places to study."

"Without a doubt, my years at Kingston and, in particular, the push, belief and nurture I received from Richard Nott, defined the designer I am today. Perhaps even more than this – at a time when I had no idea if I was good at anything, he saw something in me that I had long felt was a rampant over-sensitivity towards the world. He transformed that into something that still feeds me today. Gratitude doesn't come close."

"You were expected to work unbelievably hard, which I enjoyed. The competition was fierce; the tutors were passionate, tough and encouraging. The friends I made and the special moments we had, I'll never forget. I loved every minute – so many good parties!"