HRH The Countess of Wessex visits John Prince’s Street, London College of Fashion
HRH Sophie The Countess of Wessex paid a visit to the John Prince’s Street site this week, as part of her 3-year patronage with LCF. Looking elegant in a black skirt suit, HRH The Countess of Wessex greeted students every step of the way along her tour of the newly refurbished site.
After attending a meeting with LCF’s executives, HRH The Countess of Wessex made her way to LCF’s brand new library. The LCF library houses an extensive collection of archived magazines, as well as modern publications and student textbooks.
“It must be so wonderful to see the archived magazines,” HRH The Countess of Wessex remarked, before discussing the importance of Cordwainers at LCF – a global leader in footwear and accessories education, which celebrated its 125th anniversary this year.
HRH The Countess of Wessex stopped to chat to a group of awestruck students, who were busy getting on with their projects. Asking about their courses and where they’re living at the moment, she showed a genuine interest in the students’ lives.
Hayley Engleberg, an MSc International Fashion Management student who spoke to HRH The Countess of Wessex, was full of praise for LCF’s first ever patron. “To have the royal family’s backing is very important,” Hayley said. “It adds credibility to our university.” BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing and Promotion student, Frederica Longdon agreed, adding: “It’s good to know the arts are being supported.”
After posing for a quick photograph with one student, HRH The Countess of Wessex sat down to a series of short presentations from LCF’s Creative Directors, before meeting a selection of LCF’s BA students. She was more than happy to learn about the students’ experiences at LCF, asking about the opportunities available to them at the university and beyond. BA (Hons) Fashion Journalism student, Camilla Fisher-Crouch spoke to her about knowing exactly what she wants to do after graduating next year – the exact opposite to what she had planned in first year, a sentiment which HRH The Countess of Wessex well understood.
Students were given ample opportunity to showcase their work. First class BA (Hons) Fashion Contour graduate, Basma Masri’s lingerie designs struck a chord with HRH The Countess of Wessex. “It’s nice for her to come and speak to the students,” Basma told me. “It’s lovely to have her support.” HRH The Countess of Wessex spoke to Basma about her time working as a Design Assistant at luxury brand, La Perla.
BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology: Womenswear student, Luke Bullen also interested HRH The Countess of Wessex. Referring to one of his designs, she: “It’s got a lot of movement; I’m very impressed!”
The last stop on HRH The Countess of Wessex’s visit was LCF’s latest exhibition, Glasstress: White Light | White Heat. LCF’s patron was in clear admiration of the exhibition telling Head of College, Professor Frances Corner OBE, that she loved it all, adding that the intricate work on show was “so special.”
Engaged and knowledgeable, HRH The Countess of Wessex is exactly what LCF needs in a patron. The College has a lot of talent to shout about, and who better than the courteous and down-to-earth HRH The Countess of Wessex to do the shouting?
HRH The Countess of Wessex visits John Prince’s Street, London College of Fashion
- Words by Nicole Mullen
- Images by Alex Maguire
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