LONDON COLLEGE OF FASHION - ENGAGING WITH THE INDUSTRY Dr Julia Wolny Director of Fashion Business Resource Studio London College of Fashion University of the Arts London 1

Biggest Art & Design Educational Institution in Europe Famous and successful alumni e.g. John Galliano, Alexander McQueen London College of Fashion one of 5 Colleges of the University of the Arts London Located in the hub of retail fashion Strong culture of innovation and creativity At the forefront of entrepreneurial activities in the fashion and creative industries. 2

University of the Arts London: Mission 3 To become a truly international University by strengthening our international academic communities, partnerships and networks and by developing curricula which respond to our global role

British Council Connect Student Mobility project Sri Lanka Joint development of BA Fashion Design opportunity for 10 students from the BA Fashion Studies part time programme to develop fashion collections in partnership with students form University of Moratuwa Long standing relationship with University of Moratuwa

PMI2 Partnership – British Council Continuing Professional Development Programme Link between London College of Fashion and University of Moratuwa under PMI2 partnership to jointly deliver an Enterprise programme in Sri Lanka 5

FASHION BUSINESS RESOURCE STUDIO To generate a mutually supportive enterprise culture dedicated to improving the integration of emerging talent, technical expertise, new knowledge and entrepreneurial advice into industry

7 ACHIEVED THROUGH: Providing platforms for industry interaction –E.g. Work Placements & Work Experience Supporting and developing industry –E.g. Industry Sponsored Curriculum Projects, CPD Establishing and providing networks –E.g. Industry Advisory Groups –E.g. Industry Seminars Enhancing LCF enterprise activity and graduate employability –E,g, First Move

8 The Needs of the Stakeholders Student IndustryAcademics

9 Industry Interaction Industry contact database Industrial Advisory Panels Industry visits Industry Seminars Industry Open Days Industry Recruitment Fair Employer Guide to Work Placements Implemented policies & procedures for employer engagement –employer and staff handbooks, –IP and licence agreements –H&S –Quality assurance procedures –Credit-bearing

10 Student Interaction Enhanced support for all students before, during, and after placement Devised and developed a series of career management seminars and tutorials to support the placement process and the curriculum Deliver one to one tutorials Student Guide to Work Placements Employability and Enterprise DVD Student Blog Competition Organised Industry Workshops and Open days to showcase work Graduate Recruitment Fair Enterprise Seminars Student course projects

11 Academic Interaction Developed a closer relationship with courses. Supported the course directors and course teams. Not to be seen as a bolt on but integrated into the curriculum that support PPD. Recognised the differences in the course and the needs of every course director. Delivered!

12 Work Placements- examples IndustryCountryPlacements Jimmy ChooUKNew Product Development Assistant ChloeParisDesign Assistant Alexander McQueenUKDesign Assistant Footwear & Accessories BurberryUKPR Assistant Yves Saint LaurentUKPR Assistant Stella McCartneyUKPR Assistant MulberryUKAccessories Design Assistant Zac PosenUSADesign Assistant Salvatore FerragamoItalyFootwear Designer

13 Benefits to Industry Fresh ideas, solutions to real problems Low cost, low risk investigation of back-burner ideas Identifying talent for employment Corporate exposure for students Improving design education at the College The mental stimulation of interacting with bright, energetic, creative young minds Networking with other companies and academics at the College.

14 Benefits to Students Introduces students to industry practice Builds on experiential learning Develops employability skills Can focus a students career aspirations Can get students employment Enables academics to interface with industry/refresh skills. Allows for academic consultancy

15 Project Examples Relationship established from first contact to project agreement over 1 year (approx). A final year project aimed at securing a range of international graduate design roles for LCF students. 2d design work (related to the A&F brief set) is submitted by students and aimed at demonstrating clear research and understanding of the brand. A selection of students are then chosen for interviews conducted in A&F HQ, Columbus, Ohio, US. Project has now run for the last 3 years and secured approx 6 graduates with international design positions at A&F in Columbus.

Responsible Luxury - MCM/LCF collaboration Objectives including design objectives: Re-design MCM Cognac Visetos bags Gain new value (new object of desire for a new consumer) Gain new function -ie book cover, boots, shoes, patchwork.. Translate the ethos of the new MCM brand Background to project: Collaboration between luxury brand and a fashion school Encourage future fashion designers to be responsible. Alert them about ethical issues, sustainability and responsible fashion Luxury goods are not to be thrown away and hence harm the environment Recreate value of back-dated stock

MCM Heritage – Cognac Visetos

Harrods Magazine & Egyptian Hall LCF/MCM Exhibition April 2009

MCM/LCF collaboration Rina Hansen April 2009 Conclusions BenefitsDangers MCMEducation about ethical issues Development of new trends and product development ideas commercially Increasing brand awareness Strengthening relations with imp ortant retailers and other partner s. Potential for subbranding Creating PR coverage Ongoing initiative (LCF) Lessening wastage Additional cost incurred in re-desi gn Product mismatch with core collection Customer or brand confusion Quality issues

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21 FIRST MOVE For the Creative Industries By the Creative Industries

Continuing Professional Development Programme PMI2 Partnership – British Council Link between London College of Fashion and University of Moratuwa under PMI2 partnership to jointly deliver an Enterprise programme in Sri Lanka 22

23 Connect, Inform, Inspire Thank you for listening Dr Julia Wolny Director of Fashion Business Resource Studio