Fashion Retail Students Try The Clothes Show On For Size!

09/07/2010

Students Jenna, Rebecca, Carminn Stephanie, Taylor and Lydia pose by the Clothes Show London Wall.

College students with a passion for fashion got the chance to put theory into practice, when they visited The Clothes Show London, which was held at Earls Court, 25-27 June. Level 2 and Level 3 Fashion Retail Diploma students, based at the Crawley campus got to experience aspects of the fashion industry first hand, including buying, branding, merchandising and selling, across different sized organisations, gaining an insight into how major brands and boutiques position themselves in the competitive industry to gain new customers.

"The Clothes Show London is an excellent opportunity for students to see representatives from leading fashion-brands in action, get a sneak-preview of the latest trends, and hear from leading styling experts all under one roof" said Course Co-ordinator Jean McGregor. Lecturer Karen Breakspear added "So many of the course units are demonstrated here that it sets up the Level 2 students nicely for their Level 3 studies. For those on the Level 3 course, the trip serves as a 'refresher' for what they've already learned."

The show, which was returning to London for a second year, featured numerous stands and stalls, including live hair and beauty demonstrations, professional make-overs, a beachwear catwalk show, and shopping from hundreds of brands, boutiques and discounted designer labels, but it was the catwalk show, which was the highlight of the day for the students. The show was based around the theme of 'Fashion Capitals' and featured an imaginative mix of high end design and high energy dance routines! Level 3 student Lydia Roylance, 17, from Horley took a lot away from the show, and said that "seeing the clothes mixed in with dance and styling was very inspirational". Fellow student Hollie McDougall, 18, from Crawley agreed, adding, "Meeting a few of the celebs and top fashion names was a bonus as well!"

The Fashion Retail course provides a mix of practical work experience, retail theory, and industry-related trips, to open up a wealth of opportunities in work or higher education for students. Lecturers Alex Thompson, Karen Breakspear and Jean McGregor bring their experience in the field to the purpose-built Retail Suite at the College, and support students when developing a portfolio of work in this competitive industry.