Professor of Fashion, Savannah College of Art and Design, Hong KongMiddlesex University has a great reputation, offered a good sandwich course option and provided access to decent facilities.
I really liked the sandwich course option. I had done a foundation degree and this made me realise that I wanted to continue studying design with a view to going into further education.
Access to experienced tutors with good reputations also played a big part in my decision to go to Middlesex.
I really liked the emphasis on collaboration. We were actively encouraged to collaborate and cross disciplines.
For me the elements covering high-end fashion and the intensive learning environment were probably the aspects of my course that I enjoyed most.
The facilities offered were very modern and relevant. Access to proper industrial fashion design facilities and decent machinery is very important and Middlesex provided both. I used to spend a lot of time in the product/wood work and ceramic departments. I thought the library at the university was great also.
My best memory was opening the end of year fashion show at graduate fashion week.
Work experience is a must! Work across disciplines, experiment, have an open-minded approach and build your industry contacts.
Everything that I learnt at Middlesex has played an enormous part in my life, from design approach to pattern cutting, to getting work placements while studying and securing an MA place at the Royal College Art.
I used all that I learnt when producing my final year degree collection at Middlesex. The end result was my garments were sold at a prestige concept store in London called 'Beyond the Valley' and the art work I featured within my collection was bought by an art collector.
In many ways, the fashion industry is a terrible place to work but I couldn't do anything else! It's both my love and my life. I am constantly work on new fashion projects and make sure I embrace all of the difficulties I have faced to date, as well as the good luck I have experienced.
I was fortunate enough to get into the RCA while being at Middlesex which, in conjunction with my time at Middlesex, has opened up further options for me.
I think getting my first job at Gareth Pugh. That was pretty cool!
Stay focused and experiment in the field. Things like tuition fees and budget cuts have impacted arts education so I think it is important to make the most of your education rather than rail against it, particularly within this context.
Spend more time learning about modern technology and digital design.
