Interview: Rob

Umbro

 Rob currently works at Umbro. Click the image above to find out more.

What is your role within the fashion industry?

I'm Design Director of Global Apparel at Umbro.

What formal education do you have in your subject area and how important was it to you?

I studied the BA (Hons) Fashion Design with Technology at MMU. It has proved massively important in my career, especially the placement year which gave me a head start over my peers.

How did you start on this career path?

I used to draw football kits when I was a kid and then got into fashion as an offshoot of product design. I organised a catwalk show for charity whilst I was at school and realised how much I loved clothes. From there I turned my design hand from hard goods to fashion.

Where else have you worked?

Karrimor, Puma and O'Neill.

What was it like breaking into industry?

Surprisingly straight forward really. My Uni work was geared towards the type of brands I wanted to work for so my portfolio was already showing signs of what they were looking for. The big step was deciding to move to Germany but I thought 3 steps ahead and saw where it could take me. Thankfully the gamble paid off.

When designing or writing briefs where do you find your inspiration?

Sooo hard to say. It really depends on what I'm designing. It can be anything from historical events to old clothes to cars. I love popular culture though and I tend to look at that and think about how I'd change it for the better through clothes. I can't make people stop watching The Only Way Is Essex but I can make them dress nicer whilst they're doing it.

Do you ever get time outside of work?

No. That's why this interview is going back 2 weeks later than I promised! Joking aside, though, at my level your evenings tend to be short but I still try (and usually manage) to keep my weekends sacred... 

Thanks Rob for your input, and giving us some of your free time.

If you have any questions or comments please post them below.

Interview: Zoe

Zoe works as a designer in Manchester to see some examples of her work follow these links:

Sprayway

Ronhill

What is your role within the fashion industry?

My role within the fashion industry is to design outdoor clothing, and running clothing by using trend research, visiting and working closely with buyers, and thoroughly testing the designs we produce.

What formal education do you have in your subject area?

I completed a degree in fashion design and technology at Manchester Metropolitan University. Before this I did a foundation art course for a year, which I still think is one of the best things I did.

What do you feel was the catalyst in taking this career path?

The catalyst for me was probably during my foundation course when I went to London to see various exhibitions. One designer in particular at the time was Commes Des Garcons. I thought it was a fantastic range, which made me think I could do this... I recently went back to London as there is a new exhibition on, and one of the pieces was there and it still looks fantastic.
 

Where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration is anything, I love looking for new ideas colours, textures, different details and cuts. I like anything unusual plastic and strange, I have to see the ridiculous to get back to normal. 

Where and how would you suggest students try to gain some placement experience?

I would make sure you have a strong portfolio. Its important to build a network, family, friends, teachers, if anyone knows anyone in the industry that will help. When I was 16 I worked in stores that sold the clothing I was interested in sports stores etc. While you are doing all this you can contact brands for any info and if they offer a scheme or you can do a weeks work experience. Be pro active!

Could you describe your average day in the office for us?
 

My average day would be first cup of tea, check and reply to emails, then see what I have to work on that day, usually I am working with my developer trying to make a drawing into a functional jacket. Checking the fit, fabric, colours details and trims. and more importantly checking I am on time with the critical path...

Thanks for your input Zoe.

If you have any questions or comments please add them below.

Interview: Richard

Richard is a Freelance Fashion Designer based in London. 

Follow these links for to see some examples of Richards work:

Puma Urban Mobility

Art Rules Aruba

What is your role within the fashion industry?
 

I am currently a freelance fashion design consultant: I research, conceptualise & design apparel collections or consult and advise brand in the aforementioned areas. I have also created & delivered fashion workshops to teens.

What formal education do you have in your subject area?

I have a masters degree (BA HONs), a HND (Higher National Diploma & a ND (National Diploma) - these are all fashion design qualifications

What do you feel was the catalyst in taking this career path?

Going to a seminar on graphic design before the photoshop revolution and being turned off graphic design!!
Its actually probably a rare case of not actually deciding to pursue fashion, but ending up applying for fashion college and getting it!

What advice would you give to a student on how to break into the industry?

 

Don't wait until you finish studying to start! look at any opportunity to further your learning and hone your craft... internships, apprenticeships, working for free, making for friends, shadowing creative professionals...

What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt as a designer?

Know your craft! This combined with quality are/is the most important attribute you have, it will help you in getting started, growing and progressing... it will see you through the good and not so good times and people always remember quality. You can rely on it!

 

Does your job involve working long hours?

Its all peaks and troughs... some days are 'average' somes days not... as we generally work in seasons - with shifting variables, each day is different.. each season/collection is a project & you do what is needed to complete the project, sometimes you amy have to put the extra hours in.

Has your career involved much travel, how do you find that?

Yes, it's one of my favourite aspects of the job, I've been able to experience amazing places all over the world - this has expanded my horizons, fuelled my learning, inspired my creativity and matured me. It can be tough sometimes with the time differences & long hours but definitely a perk. 

Thanks for your input Richard.

If you have any questions or comments please post them below.

Fashion Jobs

I thought it might be an Idea to give you some links to different websites that have current jobs advertised on them and also information about them.

Although you may not be thinking of getting a full time job now this information will be of use to you in the future and may give you some ideas about placements and internships.

Fashion United

Student Job

Retail Choice

Drapers

There are links from these websites to different agencies who advertise roles. As some of you may know within the fashion industry many companies do not advertise jobs directly. They are advertised through these agencies. 

Have a look at the links and then post any questions you may have below. If you know of some other useful websites include those too.

Interview: Jenna, Garment Technologist

Menswear by Whispering Smith

Jenna works as a Garment Technologist at Whispering Smith a global manufacturer with an office in Manchester.

For more information about the role of a garment technologist click on this link: Garment Technologist.

Here is the interview including some of the questions asked by students.

Q: What is your role within the fashion industry?

A: Product development / garment technologist at a clothing supplier / importer.

Q: What formal education do you have in your subject area?

A: BA in Fashion Design and Technology at MMU

Q: What do you feel was the catalyst in taking this career path?

A: I enjoyed Textiles at school, and chose to study it all the way through to A-level and university. I chose this particular field after completing a university placement in my third year and really enjoyed the hand on approach to the product.

Q: If you weren’t working in fashion what might you be doing instead?

A: I always fancied being a make-up artist for TV / film!!

Q: What do you find enjoyable about your role?

A: Working with a product from design stage to store; close relationship with retailers and suppliers; fast paced; seeing pieces I've worked on in store; every day is different!

Q: How would you suggest someone build up their pattern cutting and production skills?

A: Practise. Take other garments apart to see how they were made. Get a good knowledge of different fabrics. 

 If you have questions about the role of a garment technologist or how you could become one then post them as comments here.

A little reminder on Portfolios

I know we have spoken about them quite a lot but I think a recap is still useful.

A portfolio is a set of pieces of creative work intended to demonstrate a persons ability to a potential employer or university interviewer.

A portfolio should demonstrate:

• The type of designer you are
• The work you have done up until this point
• Your potential to succeed  in the job or on the course
• Your individuality
• Your passion for the subject

It should highlight the best work you can produce and you should feel proud of it!

An option for you to consider is creating an online portfolio or going online to have a look at the quality of work that people are creating in education and industry.

So here are a few links:

Coroflot 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Behance Network

Carbonmade

 

 

 

 

 If you have any questions, need advice or would like to post a link to your own work please do so in a comment. It would be exciting to see if any of you already have an online portfolio.