Placement Report Graduate Fashion Week
Design Enterprise and Innovation
Ruby baldry ba fashion live project blog url: https://rubysplacements.wordpress.com
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contents
introduction
Introduction
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industry sector
“ n plural “A thing
bibliography
illustrations industry interview
15 presentation plan learning agreement 17
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noun: takes place,
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” n events importance”
Events hold, and always have held a reputation for being important, dating right back to the 1800’s when one would attend ballroom events regularly. But do we still credit them with that same high profile importance nowadays? I for one, didn’t have a great fountain of wisdom about them before undertaking the task of co-organising two fashion shows. I think that our age of technology and the bitter sweet blessing of social media has contributed to us loosing sight of how prestige and high profile events can be. My facebook notifications have been spammed a great deal with invitations to club events, art exhibitions and anything else that someone might think is of my interest.
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Graduate Fashion Week is “The world’s leading event celebrating the creativity of students and graduates within fashion. Showcasing the work of over 1,000 of the very best students and graduates from the most influential and inspiring universities around the world, Graduate Fashion Week represents the future of creative design talent. Attracting 30,000 guests each June, the annual event features 22 catwalk shows, exhibitions from over 40 universities and an acclaimed Gala Award Show alongside a packed live talks and workshops schedule featuring leading names from the fashion industry. Does Graduate Fashion Week still hold an heir of importance and fashion royalty? Or has it withered with age and struggling to keep up with new and fresh creativity? In this report I will talk about Graduate Fashion Week within the fashion industry and document information from an individual who has been a part of the organisation for 25 years.
evaluation
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the industry sector
Graduate Fashion Week is a charity organisation founded in 1991 by Jeff Banks CBE, Vanessa Denza MBE and John Walford to unify both UK and International universities and create a stronghold for the creative industries. An unrivalled platform for the promotion of new talent, Graduate Fashion Week bridges the gap between graduation and employment and is responsible for launching the careers of some of the most successful designers of our time including Christopher Bailey, who was the winner of the first ever Graduate Fashion Week Gold Award, Stella McCartney, Giles Deacon, Matthew Williamson and Julien Macdonald. From my personal experience of working alongside my course leader Anne, and co-ordinator Lindsay, I can safely say that Graduate Fashion Week is an important event in the fashion calender. It is an incredibly important opportunity that students take very seriously, and the staff mentoring them even more so. Having had the opportunity to work so closely with the Arts University Bournemouth and organising the AUB show, I have now seen a tiny glimpse of what fashion events management might be like in industry, although I am not naive in believing that everyone will be as friendly as my colleagues I have worked alongside for this project. Events Management is such an industry that is constantly changing and needing to keep up with the latest trends, producing innovative and original creative ideas whilst maintaining the classy and strong reputation of the brand. Where do I think Graduate Fashion Week will head in the future? I cant say for sure. From what I’ve learnt they are a strong company who will continue to aim for perfection and settle for excellence. I believe they will carry on perusing new talent and delivering seamless events year after year.
Neha Bhushan.
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the job role My role would change on a daily basis, depending on what our priorities were that day, but my “official role” was to assist the co-ordinator and co-ordinate everything needed for the Bournemouth Tickets along with Esther and Alex and any tasks both of them roles will include. To list a few things I have done would be, the design of the Bournemouth Show Tickets, model castings, line up reviews, contacting models, organising sponsorship, networking, producing written content for NIL magazine and assisting on the NIL photo shoot.
Graduate Fashion Week is held together by the super glue that is their small team who organise the event every year. Although I didn’t have the opportunity of working alongside them personally, the team I did have the pleasure of working with were just as important as super glue. There is a large team of people at the university who are working towards GFW, probably too many to mention, but the hierarchy system that I worked with went something like this. Number 1) Anne Chaisty. The top boss and also my course leader. When I think of Anne I think of statement jewellery, fabulous and red lipstick. Number 2) Esther Yarnold. Simply the best. I had the pleasure of working alongside her on all things tickets. Number 3) Alex.... Computer whiz and all round yes man. Number 4) Lindsay Harris Sawers. Level 6 co-ordinator. This girl! She is dedicated, hard working, focused and just wonderful. Number 5) Me. A bit of everything! Tickets, assisting Lindsay and tell everyone their collections are beautiful. I was fortunate enough to know each member of my team (apart from Lindsay) personally before starting this project. I had worked closely with Esther since my first year of uni, Alex the last year and Anne since becoming Course Rep for my year group. I’m very grateful for this and know that it contributed to an easy entrance on coming into the project a few weeks late due to an internship gone wrong at another company. Working with this team I quickly learnt how each member is absolutely vital to the smooth sailing of the ship. Anne oversees everything and ensures it is done to perfection. Esther knows everything about paper, typography and pretty much anything else you want to know about the organisation of GFW. Alex is the most talented computer person I have ever met. Need something done that requires codes, numbers and 80mph finger typing? He is your man! Lindsay is coordinating everything from make up artists, line ups and model castings before taking it to Anne to be finalished. It is a team that couldn’t work well without each person, and I managed to slot into the mix quite nicely. In previous years at AUB, choosing to work on Graduate Fashion Week for a live project has been given as an option to Level 5 students, however it was removed at the beginning when students were searching for their placements. I had my heart set on working on this project from hearing about it in First Year, so naturally when hearing it was no longer an option I was deflated. However, with it being bought back as a Live Project option I took it on, but by this point all level 5 students had already organised their placements or live projects so it left only myself from Level 5, and Lindsay from Level 6. 5
AUB GFW AUBGFW GFW AUB AUBGFW
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personal forecast Participating in this Live Project has given me a greater understanding of Fashion Events Management, something I didn’t know anything about before. I have been able to use existing skills such as organisation, design and communication as well as learn new skills such as how to host a successful model casting. I have been able to identify personal strengths and weaknesses, and what I need to improve in order to be a successful event planner. Reflecting back on my experience the main thing that sticks out to me is how much I have learnt, regardless of whether or not I take a career in Event Planning, the experience has taught me a great deal about the fashion industry and how important professionalism and strength are.
In conclusion, working on this project has been challenging yet exciting and enjoyable. I believe it has been beneficial for me to gain a better understanding of the sector, resulting in me becoming a better asset for when I branch out into the job market. Although I have been presented with many difficulties and obstacle’s, this project has highlighted for me that Events Management is an area of the industry that I am not ruling out as of yet. The challenges I faced along the way have contributed to me knowing my strengths and weaknesses, along with areas I need to improve on; all of which I am more than happy to keep identifying. At the beginning of this project I walked in with the hope of knowing what career path I would want to take at the end, and although I can’t say I have clarity on that yet I can say that I now have experience in another area of the industry, which can only be a positive outcome even if I choose not to progress within Events Management.
Working alongside the team at the university has taught me a lot about having a professional attitude in the workplace. Although this was a live project, I can say with confidence that not only did I treat it the same as I would have done if I was in industry outside of the university campus, but I was treated likewise by all members of the team. Anne, being my course leader, and for this project my boss, didn’t treat me any different to how I would imagine I would have been treated outside of university. This is something I am grateful for, as I didn’t want a sugar coated version of what industry work was like, especially events management.
I am planning to explore and learn of even more creative opportunities in the future, in a hope to gain a clear understanding of where I fit based on the skills I will acquire and the passions I already hold.
The role came with the responsibility of co-ordinating both GFW and The Bournemouth Show alongside Lindsay and Anne. Having had no experience prior to this with events management, I learnt a lot of new skills and although one might say I was thrown into the deep end I can appreciate what that has taught me. I am a practical hands on learner, so learning as I go is something I am used to and enjoy. However, with that being said at times it felt like the blind leading the blind with Lindsay and I, as neither of us had any event planning experience. Which made things all the more exciting and we certinaly had fun whilst we went. Personal skills of mine include organisation, punctuality, attention to detail and perfectionism. All of which were vital and beneficial to my role, contributing to my overall performance and giving me boosts where needed. For example, being given the role of designing the Bournemouth Show tickets meant I was able to have control of the design. This isn’t a good thing because my work is the work of angels, but because I was in constant communication with Lindsay, most of the level six students and Anne. Having this amount of involvement with the team meant I could produce something based around a solid idea, rather than something to my personal taste. A highlight of this project for me was getting the opportunity to produce written content for NIL. Although this wasn’t exactly events management, I love writing and when the opportunity arose I couldn’t turn it down. For some of this project I have felt out of my depth and sometimes inadequate due to not knowing what I’m doing, simply because it was all new to me. Although I enjoyed learning new skills sometimes it also feels good to do what you know, and I think it is important to have a balance of both; to never stop learning, and to do what you know you’re good at. 7
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bibliography
illustrations
Websites: http://www.gfw.org.uk/about-gfw/about-gfw/ http://aub.ac.uk/course-info/course-news/graduate-fashion-week/
Figure 1. Model Casting - Ruby Baldry - 23/04/16 Figure 2. Syrup Room Meeting - Ruby Baldry - 19/04/16
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illustrations
All images taken at NIL Photoshoot - Ruby Baldry - 06/05/16
Both images taken at Level 6 reviews- Ruby Baldry - 06/05/16
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industry interview and new business ideas and there are more Awards for this than Catwalk. This reflects the future of the Industry and in turn, Graduate Fashion Week.
Anne Chaisty has had involvement with Graduate Fashion Week since it's inception 25 years ago, and has since seen several generations of students accomplish fabulous things as a result. I got to not only work alongside her but also steal some nuggets of wisdom in this short but sweet interview.
R: How would you describe the relationship between the other universities at Graduate Fashion Week? A: Competition is healthy and close relationships are developed through specialist Conferences , research and External Examining as well as events and collaborative projects. We are in this together and I believe all staff teams realise the pressure students are under financially. This has to a certain degree has changes the dynamic at to some extent , the risk taking. This still does not prevent amazing work coming out of good courses every year. The excitement remains!
Ruby : Tell me a bit about your involvement with Graduate Fashion Week as a university? Anne: I left education in 2001 to run my own Company and e-commerce site and came back in 2007 to lead a new Fashion Accessories Course. When I came back I had a completely different mindset and put engagement with Industry at the forefront of education. I joined AUB in 2009 and the first year I was there we won 3 Awards at Graduate Fashion Week. I saw changes from the old Graduate Fashion Week, some good and some challenging. It seemed more corporate and less creative, the original premise was to get the amazing talent coming out of UK design courses out to Industry and the public in a collaborative forum. I think Graduate Fashion Week is now moving back to that original philosophy.
“The digital world is paramount but cannot exist without creativity and hands on skills.”
R: What would you say is the most beneficial thing about Graduate Fashion Week? A: It’s really healthy for all courses to see the competition out there, this has become Global with the involvement of the International Schools. Also, the growing profile and engagement with all areas of the Industry allows a broader platform for Courses to make a mark. Despite living in a politically correct world, the competition to be successful will always exist , particularly in this global financial climate. A positive move is that more attention now is given to diversity as well as ethical practice and sustainability and the Awards at Graduate Fashion Week very much reflect this. This is most beneficial to both industry and education. R: Where do you see Events Management heading in the future? A: The digital world is paramount but cannot exist without creativity and hands on skills. The landscape of communication is changing and new and previously unknown ways of presenting information are coming on board. Entrepreneurialism and new business ideas are allowing small business’s to have a Global presence through Social media more immediately than ever before . Any area of communication now needs to be at least five steps ahead of what is currently happening. I would advise any one entering this industry to never underestimate how demanding it is and be prepared to be determined , resilient and ahead of the game.
R: How do you plan to keep AUB unique and distinct in comparison to other universities? A: We produce a publication called NIL . This stands for Not In London. Courses outside of London can sometimes be overlooked especially by those looking to enter Fashion Education. I would say our investment in the individual, along with the great resources, allow us to compete through the competitions and also Live Project work. We are also a privileged Partner with Lectra as well has having the accreditation from Creative Skillset, an organisation that only endorses courses that produce Industry ready Graduates. I don’t think we are doing too badly!
R: How do you see Graduate Fashion Week developing in the future? A: It is becoming more Global and this year we have had great response and support from a broad sector of the industry who now know they can witness first hand some of the best talent in the world at the event through Catwalk and Exhibitions. There is more interest in Digital presentations
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presentation plan
Slide one - 3 mins. • Introduction • Where - Arts University Bournemouth • What - Co ordinator assistant • Why - Events management • Briefly touch on Graduate fashion week working with AUB. •
slide two - 4 mins • Talk about role and what was required in the job • Show examples of work •
slide three - 3 mins. • Pros and cons of the role- highlights of live project • Talk about what could have been improved. •
slide four - 3 mins • What I learnt and what skills I have gained • Evaluation of live project •
Lizzie Atkins
slide five - 2 mins • Question time
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learning agreement
My second placement will be working on Graduate Fashion Week alongside Anne and a team from level 6.
ARTS UNIVERSITY BOURNEMOUTH Learning Agreement
My main tasks there will be assisting the co-ordinator, co-ordinating everything needed for the Bournemouth Tickets along with Esther and Alex and any tasks both of them roles will include.
Name: Ruby Baldry
Contact:
Course: Fashion
Anne Chaisty.
Level: 5
Course Leader.
Unit: Design Enterprise and Innovation
Arts University Bournemouth.
Unit Code: FAC556
Wallisdown, Poole BH12 5HH
Credit points: 40
01202 533011
Study hours: 400 Hours Page 1 of 3
Tutor(s): Karen Ryan
Learning Agreement
Synopsis of study
Aims
For this unit I chose to participate in two placements in different sectors of the industry in order to challenge myself with learning new skills and practice my existing skills. I am also hoping by working for two different companies I will have a better understanding of what I hope to go into in the future. I will be handing in a written report for assessment which will include the details of my job role, things I have learnt and industry interviews. The first placement is at Bournemouth Vintage Emporium working as a personal assistant to the Director of the company, as well as marketing, promotion and events. Contact: Graham Spridegon.
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To further develop the creative, intellectual and practical applications of specialist study to the appropriate level. To demonstrate an understanding of the historical, cultural, professional and contextual frameworks, which inform my work. To introduce me to the career and future study possibilities relevant to my subject interest through the promotion of self-evaluation and review as an essential part of my personal and professional development.
Company Director. Bournemouth Vintage Emporium.
Learning outcomes:
1172-1180 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth. BH76DY. 01202 427797 17
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Develop existing skills and acquire new competences evidenced through a comprehensive body of work that will enable me to assume significant responsibility within organisations. Demonstrate the ability to apply underlying concepts and principles in relation to my specialist practice. Demonstrate the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision-making. Assessment Requirements Body of work to be identified through and in the negotiated Learning Agreement which will include a 2,000 word report plus weekly blog. This may take the form of an online journal (utilising appropriate formats and demonstrating a range of skills which should include developmental work and practical project outcomes one of which should be a professional CV). (Tutor assessed) 100% Reference www.wgsn-edu.com www.vam.ac.uk www.adbrands.net www.fashionriot.com www.fuk. co.uk www.style.com www.showstudio.com www.designmuseum.org www.startups.co.uk www.businesslink.gov.uk www.biothinking.com www.mintel.com Action plan/time plan 6 Weeks Bournemouth Vintage Emporium. 12 Weeks Graduate Fashion Week. Page 2 of 3 .
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evaluation
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Looking back on my experience working on the Graduate Fashion Week Live Project I feel very privileged to have learnt new skills, not only practical ones but personal life skills too. I didn’t have a great fountain of wisdom about events before taking part in this project, and I certainly never appreciated the amount of work that goes into the events I have attended in the past, which compared to The Bournemouth Show and Graduate Fashion Week were merely a drop in the ocean.
Education
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t John’s College
2005 - 2010.
Business Studies - A Drama - A English Language - B English Literature - B
Although it wasn’t all easy sailing and I came across difficulties, that hasn’t hindered my perception of my experience as I know that even the challenges were character building and essential for me to be able to learn. Before participating in this project I thought I knew what it meant to work well under pressure, have good organisational skills and be punctual. However all of what I thought I knew soon left when I realised I needed to amplify it in order to keep up with the fast pace of fashion events management. At times daunting simply due to most things being new to me, it was more enjoyable than not, and I am so glad to have had this experience.
Religious Education - B Art - C Science - C Maths - C
S
outhdowns College
2010 - 2013
Combined English - A1. A2 Combined Arts - A1. A2. Media Studies - A Level.
Ruby Baldry Profile
As I’ve noted in this report, I still have no idea what I want to do with my career at the end of my degree. I had high expectations when starting this project that it would give me clarity on my calling within the fashion industry, however that didn’t happen and that’s okay. I still have a whole year to figure it out, and although not giving me crystal clear vision of what my future looks like this project has certainly helped me to fine tune my professional skills, assets, weakness and areas I need to work on.
I am a 21 year old fashion communication student. There is something about the way fashion connects people that I love. Meeting new people is important to me, and with my confident and bubbly personality I am easy to talk to and enjoy learning new skills. I work well in a team, along with being an independent worker. I am not afraid of a challenge, and believe that nothing good comes from comfort zones. Personal Hardworking Reliable Joyful
Art & Design foundation Degree - Merit.
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BA (Hons) Fashion Degree.
Work Experience
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rontline Communications. 2014 Telephone Operator.
UB FAT Collaborative Project. 1 week creative collaboration between fashion, architecture & textiles students. 2015
he Thatched House 2015 Waitress
BAR BISTRO. 2014 BARTENDER.
Professional Skills
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dobe Creative Cloud. reative Writing.
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tyling
Creative Honest Punctual Trustworhy Driven
2014 - Present
rts University Bournemouth
L
Ayout
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ocial MEdia
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arketing
Contact Me
0758 337 5902
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ruby20baldry@ hotmail.co.uk
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AUB GFW GFW AUB AUBGFW GFW AUB GFW AUB AUB GFW GFW AUB Ruby baldry ba fashion live project
blog url: https://rubysplacements.wordpress.com