Curriculum Vitae
I love the way fashion expresses ones personality and defines them as a person. After many years of studying Fashion & Textiles, reading Vogue and watching Britain’s Next Top Model, my interest in Fashion has developed to the point that now, fashion means everything to me. My inspiration, Alexander McQueen, has taught me that in the fashion industry, there are no rules. It is a constant turn around and change of trends from season to season in a very fast paced environment.
Work Experience
ASOS, Design Intern, London
I am currently doing my sandwich year which started in July 2016. This includes a six month Design Internship at ASOS in London. I am learning so much so quickly, seeing how the fashion industry works from the start of the design process all the way through to the end product being produced. I have so far had the task of creating the SS17 Trend Pack where all the WW Design Team will design from for this collection, I have designed artworks for Kimonos, Biker Jackets and Bomber Jackets, helped with fits for denim products and much more. I am loving everyday and making the most out of this amazing opportunity that I have been given.
Tia Cibani, Fashion Design Intern, New York
In the summer of 2015 I worked in New York for 2 months on internship at a Fashion Design company called Tia Cibani. During my time here, I helped with designing the new collection especially accessories, I assisted the design team in day to day tasks and photoshoots, I helped with seasonal research and with Photoshop, I helped with the more business side doing P.O.’s and costing sheets and I ran a lot of errands.
London Fashion Week, Dresser, London
I have worked at LFW as a dresser for the models for several different designers under a company called On|Off who have also asked me to return to work at a Show for M&S. It was a great experience and I can’t wait to do it again in February.
French Connection, Selfridges, Retail, Birmingham
I worked as a sales assistant at French Connection in Selfridges Birmingham from October 2015-June 2016. Here, I sold Womenswear Clothes and Accessories. This included working in a team of people and working to the best potential to provide great customer service. During my time here, I have learnt about the type of business that French Connection is and what their main strategy is as a company. It’s taught me a lot about business and about how to deal with different people, which has given me great communicational skills and more confidence.
The Textiles Workshop, Shop/Workshop, Nottingham
In the summer of 2010, I undertook work experience at The Textiles Workshop, Nottingham, where I worked with the manager of the company and learnt about, not only the fashion/textiles side but also the business side of The Textiles Workshop. I dealt directly with people of all different ages to proceed through a fashion course, a sewing course or an embroidery course. I took direct sales for equipment, did daily stock controls for the shop and I was also asked to go into Nottingham, examine the trends and practice trend forecasting.
Education and Qualifications
Birmingham City University Birmingham September 2014 – September 2018 I have learnt a huge amount since starting my degree in Fashion Design. I’ve had the task of designing and making garments, learning the skills of pattern cutting and putting together a strong portfolio. I have 2 years left; with one of them being a sandwich year where I will intern with a Fashion Label. This year, I have chosen my specialisation for my final year at university - Womenswear Design. My degree is teaching me more and more about the fashion industry everyday because it requires a lot of effort and hard work to complete modules in the short time given.
Arnold Hill Academy Nottingham Sep 2007 - September 2014
I attended Arnold Hill Academy School and Sixth Form. During my time at Arnold Hill, I was my tutor form representative, managing communication between my fellow peers and head of year, securing decisions for improvements in student relations and the amenities of the school and the sixth form to benefit all. I have also been fully involved in the organisation and participation of charitable events raising money for charities such as Comic Relief through taking part in school talent shows and concerts. In year 12, I directed and took part in a School Fashion Show for Charity where students walked around the school in garments that they had designed and made. This gave me a satisfaction that has stayed with me and fuelled the want for more. I also participated in some work experience within Textiles classes. I worked with classes from year 7 through to year 11 helping them with their textiles studies. Especially year 11 students who were completing their coursework in which I gave my thoughts and ideas on current and future trends and supported them using different types of machinery. My A Levels consist of Maths, Textiles and Business. My GCSE’s consist of Maths, Statistics, English Literature, English Language, Science, Textiles, French, Geography, History and R.E.
Software/System Skills
Microsoft Office Software
Databases
Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign
Language Skills
Fluent in English
At Arnold Hill, I did a year of A Level French and I also have a GCSE in French at a grade A in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.
References
Sarah Sabin
Manager
French Connection Selfridges
fcselfbirmingham@frenchconnection.com
+447908600888
Nathan Jones
Fashion Lecturer
Birmingham City University