Students fashioning futures with Superdry

Celebrating its first successful year, students on the new fashion degree at the University of Gloucestershire have been finding their feet in the industry thanks to a thriving partnership with global brand Superdry.

As part of an initial three year collaborative programme with Superdry, the brand’s design and creative team have been providing expert advice and setting, critiquing and judging projects. Selected fashion students have been on work placements with Superdry during the summer.

And after a warm welcome in September by course leader Margaret McDonough, current and new students will be working on live briefs relating to events including Clothes Show Live, Cheltenham Fashion Week and the Stroud International Textile Festival.

“It’s been a tremendous first year for us, with exciting collaborations giving our students expert practical experience,” said Margaret.

“It’s vital our students are equipped to work in the industry when they graduate, and one of the best ways to do this is by working in partnership. Superdry have been extremely supportive in giving students the skills and confidence they need as the next generation of designers.”

Fashion returned to the university in 2014 with £2 million investment in new facilities, and a passion for providing relevant industry experience to the designers of the future.

“It’s so energising working with students who have a passion to learn,” said Laura Dugdale, Head of Design Management at Superdry. “We hope the collaboration between Superdry and the students on this fashion design course will be mutually beneficial. We have already welcomed some of the students into the business for short term placements which is working really well.
 
“I’ve interviewed and recruited many graduates in my career and always the candidates who set themselves apart from others are those with work experience. Not only does it prepare students for a more realistic view of a commercial world but it also shows a strong work ethic and a determination to succeed within this industry.”

Students have been able to see their designs turned into a catwalk reality with a fashion show at the Gloucestershire Business Show in May, and a Fashion Show in partnership with Art Couture Painswick and Gloucestershire College as part of the university’s first ever Festival Fortnight the following month.

To find out more about fashion at the University of Gloucestershire, please visit www.glos.ac.uk