Her attention to detail was infectious and made me want to achieve the same level. My design tutor Rebecca Thompson really opened my eyes to the possibilities of my designs, with her guidance the laser-cutting element of my collection was something I ran with and it has now become something that I am recognised for.Įlla Wong, one of the technicians, was a god send to me throughout my journey from first year to final year. I would like to say a massive thank you to all the staff at Manchester Fashion Institute so many people have helped me on my journey. Looking back I would say I loved how well supported we were as students, with resources and guidance we had it all and never really knew it. Whilst there I often attended design and buying meetings, with the likes of Topshop, Oasis and Accessorize, I really felt valued at Boardmans and my design skills increased so much during my time there. I made some great friends whilst working there and it was valuable to experience working for a smaller family run business, as opposed to a large company. I learnt so much about the industry and got a great insight into the business side of fashion, I am so thankful for the inside knowledge I gained whilst on placement there.įor my second placement, I worked at another fashion supplier based in Manchester, Boardmans that specialised in hats, gloves, scarves, ponchos and wraps. They are the supplier to most major supermarkets and some high-street stores. My first placement was with a fashion supplier in Watford called Poetic Gem. The skills and contacts I made whilst on placement were just invaluable.

My placement year was probably the best career move I could have made. It is such a great resource that not all universities have and we are the leaders in that sense so we should utilise it.

The Innovation Zone really helped to secure my place at Graduate Fashion Week without the use of the Innovation Zone, I do not think I would have had the collection I did. These skills really helped me stand out from other graduates.ĭesign was always my favourite unit however, I really enjoyed constructing my own garments as I feel it makes you such a better designer, as you know that someone will have to make it and how it will be made. Most other university courses do not have CAD classes like we have, my employers have been amazed at how much we learn about the industry whilst at university.

Studying the Fashion Design and Technology Womenswear course at Manchester Fashion Institute has equipped me with such an array of skills that transitioning from university to work has been so easy.

Tom bird