Preview Creative approaches in fashion design
A spirit of independence, empowerment and innovation are at the core of our fashion design programme. Our students are encouraged to explore different specialisms within fashion to create their own individual and unique approaches to fashion design.
Sameya Shah, cover Jess Haines
Our students gain an insight and understanding of working with traditional and non-traditional approaches to fashion, utilising the fantastic workshops on offer at Bucks. They have the freedom to work in a traditional way, or to explore the potential of creating fashion using a range of materials and processes; such as wood, metal, plastics and textile. Our live briefs, exhibition and promotion modules and masterclasses enable our students to leave Bucks as versatile, forward-thinking creatives who are ready for work in the industry.
Azadeh Azad
Azadeh Azad
Studying BA (Hons) Fashion Design I truly enjoy being a fashion student at Bucks, as I am given the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and bring my ideas to life. With the support of my amazing tutors, I’m learning about designers that I never knew about, such as Hussein Chalayan, who has influenced me since the beginning of my studies. His work has some beautiful pieces which I fell in love with very quickly. We are always exposed to new designers and ideas which is always really inspiring. Beginning my studies was challenging at first, as I lacked confidence in my knowledge and skills. The support from the tutors has allowed me to learn very quickly, and adapt within both the University environment and within fashion design.
The range of workshops we are offered has given me many opportunities to challenge myself by learning new skills and thinking outside the box. We have had the opportunity to not only work in the fashion workshops but also in metal, wood, plastics, print, drawing, CAD and more. The most valuable thing I have learned while studying at Bucks is to stay true to yourself and your ideas. I have absorbed a vast amount of fashion-related skills and knowledge, whilst also learning other important skills in professional practice. This has allowed me to achieve the best possible outcomes. While studying at Bucks we have had many visitors who have developed my knowledge of the fashion industry. This has helped me to apply for future internships and has driven my passion for a career in the industry before I graduate.
Nicole Robinson
Studying BA (Hons) Fashion Design I enjoy learning new computer aided design skills and have learned how to present my work professionally using different design programmes. I also enjoy tailoring, as I always learn new, useful and industrystandard techniques, which will all be beneficial when manufacturing my highquality garments. My course has challenged the way I think about my designs. I never used to consider mixed media when designing, but having the freedom to use the various workshops has allowed me to explore techniques which aren’t commonly used in fashion. This has resulted in some really exciting and original outcomes. In my first year, I made a tracksuit using my own printed fabric design. We have digital printing facilities, which allows us to not only make our own garments, but also to make the fabric too. This is something which I never thought I could have done, before studying at Bucks. The most valuable thing I have learned whilst on my course is not to doubt any of my ideas because with the guidance and advice from my tutors, anything is possible! It doesn’t matter how crazy your ideas or designs may seem, an outcome will always happen. We are always encouraged to be brave with our ideas. My course has provided many further opportunities. We had a brief about selfpromotion which has encouraged us to think about promoting ourselves within the industry. We also have a brief coming up this year that will allow us to work with a designer. This will give us a great insight into the fashion industry and ways of working. We are encouraged to do internship and work experience, and our tutors often share opportunities on our area notice board.
Nicole Robinson
The best part of my course so far has been being able to create my own designs and then make them into garments. The process of learning how to make patterns, cut the fabric, and manufacture it into a high-quality garment whilst being able to explore other techniques is great. All the hard work pays off when you get the feeling of achievement once it is finished!
Katherine Messider
Studying BA (Hons) Fashion Design The pieces I create tend to convey a very personal message, alongside highlighting the experiences of different people and current issues. I call this informative fashion - for example my live industry project was centred on my own condition, scoliosis. The project allowed me to express myself, and create fashion which meant something to me and to others. It is great that we are encouraged to be individuals, as individuality is always encouraged on the course. I’m highly influenced by fashion designer Katharine Hamnett, because she specialises in protest fashion and she isn’t afraid to voice her own opinions. This is something which I am currently exploring as part of my current H&M project. Bucks has definitely challenged my ways of thinking. I originally came onto the course because I wanted to create elegant dresses, but the course has allowed me to experience different types of projects, techniques and concepts. This expanded knowledge has enabled me to design and make glamorous dresses alongside building strong concepts. The most valuable thing I have learned so far on my course is the wide range of computer aided design programmes such as Photoshop and Illustrator. This has allowed me to make industry-ready technical drawings which are essential in the fashion industry.
My best experience at Bucks has got to be the feeling of achievement, when I look back at the pieces I’ve created and how far I’ve come from when I first started.
Katherine Messider
I recently completed an internship with Lara Jensen. During this time, I assisted in creating head pieces for Lady Gaga’s Vegas residency. This was an amazing experience, as it has allowed me to experience the Industry beyond my course. As we are so close to London, it makes it really easy to get to London work placements.
Cleyara Fernando
Danielle Feheley
Danielle Feheley
Studying BA (Hons) Fashion Design When carrying out my design work, my greatest interests lie in printed textiles and the exploration of oversized silhouettes and manipulation on the body. Comme des Garรงons, the Japanese fashion label, has influenced my work by inspiring me to take on abstract compositions whilst exploring the importance of colour and pattern. A recent live industry project that we were briefed has allowed me to really understand who I want to be as a designer;
it is exciting to know that I will be going into my final year with a strong and individual aesthetic. My course has allowed me to take risks. It has challenged me to not restrict myself, and has encouraged me to think differently to initiate new concepts for my designs. What I have found most valuable is the opportunity to expand my technical ability and the making of physical garments. I originally struggled with this, but by working closely with technicians and tutors, it has allowed me to work independently and to become confident in my ability.
This course has provided many opportunities for me to gain experience in a range of fashion design projects. We are currently working on an exhibition and promotion project, which is giving me the skills and knowledge I need to help me to promote my own fashion label. I am exploring branding, social media advertising, how to build a strong portfolio and designing promotional material. The course also offers close links to internships and work experience, working closely with companies to gain further industry skills.
The best part of studying at Bucks would be the encouragement I have been given by my tutors, always being available to help out, find inspiration, and develop my ideas to fruition. I have also taken advantage of the considerable facilities that are on offer for creative students; this has given me many opportunities to expand my individual style and work with a range of materials.
Adam Bystrzycki
Lado Iqbal
High Wycombe Campus Queen Alexandra Road High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP11 2JZ Telephone: 0330 123 2023 Email: advice@bucks.ac.uk
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bucks.ac.uk This publication was produced by Buckinghamshire New University in February 2019, and is accurate at the time of going to press. We reserve the right to amend information without prior notice. Š Buckinghamshire New University