MEET MICHELLE
Major: Writing Fashion and Culture
Graduation Year: 2012
Hometown: Hertfordshire in England
Blog: www.daisybutter.blogspot.com
Why Fashion?
I absolutely love fashion and always have. I remember clashing leggings and those little frilly socks with T-bar shoes when I was about 5 because that’s what I wanted to wear! I struggled with learning English when I started at school, but then with extra support, I just grew to love reading and writing – fashion journalism lets me combine my two loves.
When/how did you first realize you had a passion for fashion?
In Year 10 at school, when I was about 16, our careers advisor told us to start thinking about careers, and every option I considered involved fashion, whether it was wanting to be a wedding dress designer, to run my own boutique, to running my own magazine, so I guess through that!
What is your favorite element of the fashion industry?
The journalism element. I love the idea of me being the one to communicate opinions and information about collections and upcoming pieces to a large group of people/readership. I’m also interested in the PR aspect of the industry too.
What is your proudest accomplishment thus far in your life?
It sounds a little childish, but I had a short story published in a children’s compilation book when I was 11! One of the proudest moments ever! I’m also proud of assisting in styling a photoshoot for more! Magazine while I was on an internship with them.
COLLEGE
What are you studying in school?
I’m studying Writing Fashion and Culture, which is fashion journalism with a little bit of a twist!
What are the top 3 reasons you chose to attend this school?
- The ‘Writing Fashion and Culture’ course was the main factor for me, because it is the only course of its kind available in England.
- I liked that it was located in a busy city, close to London but not as expensive as London, which comes in handy for work experience, etc.
- It is a creative school, and my lecturers are all currently, or have been, employed as journalists and editors, so we get the best teaching possible.
Would you recommend this school to someone looking to go into fashion?
Yes definitely! Solent also offers Fashion Design, Photography and Graphics courses, so there are lots of us, and we can all cross paths to help each other out with different aspects of our degrees. Also, because it is a creative specialist university, we have really good facilities and equipment.
What courses in your major have you found to be most valuable?
I loved our Magazine Design unit, which let us write our own trend report, style and photograph a photoshoot, and design and construct a magazine spread. I also loved Fashion Promotion which let us write press releases and pitch products.
Besides your courses, what have you done to expand your knowledge and passion for fashion?
I’ve just finished an internship at more! Magazine in London, where I gained so much invaluable experience of working at a busy weekly publication, and I try to contribute articles to fashion websites as frequently as possible. I also run a blog, where I post outfits, style inspirations, catwalk notes and general fashion musings.
Does your school offer internship connections/assistance in finding internships? Can you receive credit?
One of the main aspects of my university is that the lecturers openly tell you to find internships because it is an important element of you doing well in the fashion world. We don’t receive credits from them towards our degree, but the references you’ll receive from your employer is worth much more! My lecturers all have good contacts in the industry that they are more than happy to share with us as well.
What unique features does your school offer that other fashion schools may not?
Probably the fact that we have many strong industry links.
What advice would you give to someone hoping to attend this school in your major?
Have something different on your application, even if it doesn’t relate to your course, water sports, horse riding… The universities love having someone with many interests!
What is the best advice you have been given concerning a future in the fashion industry?
Never give up, no matter how many No’s you get, you will eventually get a Yes! – Regarding work placements and internships.
Does your school host any fashion events?
Solent takes part in the Graduate Fashion Week held in London, consisting of fashion shows with designs, event management, graphics, etc. produced by the students. We have guest speakers, which have included authors, sportsmen, and more, who come and lecture us throughout the year.
THE FUTURE
What is next for you and what is your ultimate dream career?
I’m about to start my second year at university (goodbye freshman year!), and hopefully take up some more short-term internships, before securing a full summer placement. I’m still undecided between working as a fashion writer and progressing to an editor, or working for a PR company.
Hey! I stumbled upon your blog whilst frantically googling for Interview Tips for Southampton Solent… I have an Interview for Writing, Fashion and Culture; by any chance do you recall what kinds of things they asked you at Interview? The course sounds really interesting and I’d love to be offered a place there! Thanks for your help. N x
Hey! I’ve got an interview to for the same course it’s next Saturday I’m so nervous! I was wondering what type of work I need to take with I’m currently doing a National diploma in art and design do I need to bring my portfolio with me. Or just samples of essays that I have written? Thanks sacha x