FUTURE OF FASHION with London College of Fashion

June is not only an exciting month for upcoming men’s collections, it is also graduation time for a lot of creatives leaving university. For most of them and especially those studying fashion design, the time has come to showcase their work of the past months and years in front of a professional audience. As nerve-racking as this test may seem, it is also an amazing way for students to end three years of intensive dedication to their art. As we look forward, it’s clear to see, these are the faces of tomorrow’s fashion.

In partnership with some of London’s best fashion universities, .Cent Magazine has selected the most promising graduates to ask them a few questions about graduation and what is next. Here is the second part, featuring three of the graduates from London College of Fashion.

Jin Kim – BA Fashion Textiles: Embroidery, London College of Fashion

What is the most overwhelming feeling you have now that you are graduating?
I want to be able to turn my thoughts and ideas into reality. I think physical items like textiles are more important than just ideas. But every single day for me is a busy one so I need to work quicker and harder to produce quality items.

What is the most important thing you’ve learnt whilst going through the degree process?
My technical skills have improved greatly over the past three years. Thinking back to my early days studying, I practiced a lot and had my ideas challenged so it was a wonderful time to development ideas and textile samples for my future career.

Graduation now. But what’s next for you?
I’m preparing my own textile brand which I will promote at brand fairs and exhibitions.

Andrew Ko – BA Fashion Design and Development, London College of Fashion

What is the most overwhelming feeling you have now that you are graduating?
Going back to my home country which also means I have to do national military service for 2 years.

What is the most important thing you’ve learnt whilst going through the degree process?
I am more open to trying new things in order to build up my fashion experience.

Graduation now. But what’s next for you?
I’ve lived in Hackney for almost 5 years now and I really don’t want to go back to Seoul. I want to work in London so I will try and get placements or internships. Going back home might mean I have to stop designing because there are not as many opportunities. I really don’t want to stop designing.

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Joseph Standish – BA Fashion Design and Development, London College of Fashion

What is the most overwhelming feeling you have now that you are graduating?
Having the opportunity to share with everyone, the ideas that I have been developing over the past 4 years. Also, I think it is a great time for young designers to develop something new within art and I guess you just have to hope that someone’s listening.

What is the most important thing you’ve learnt whilst going through the degree process?
Not to compromise on my ideas. Creative degrees can be very expensive when you consider production costs, materials and portfolios so I think it’s important that you come out with something you really believe in and I really do believe in my ideas.

Graduation now. But what’s next for you?
I want to create bigger and bolder pieces. I’m looking for the opportunity to really develop my ideas further as I think it is a great foundation to build on.
There’s a necessity for smaller fashion design companies to be willing to work on a wider spectrum of design in the current climate. I think it is important to work across medias, to establish a brand. I plan to work with people within in the visual arts (illustration/animation) where there’s generally less limitation on artistic expression. Ultimately I would love to get involved with a denim company and have access to their archives.

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