Valentini Argyropoulou studied MA Fashion Footwear at London College of Fashion. She is currently a footwear designer, having just launched her own brand. She is also the co-ordinator of the UAL Greece alumni group.
Who was your favourite member of staff and why?
Simon Korner (associate lecturer at LCF) because he is really friendly and helpful! His advice is always to the point. Plus, he was always willing to answer my questions.
Do you keep in touch with the people you met at UAL?
I have kept in touch with graduates from other courses and we still work together now, planning photoshoots and events etc.
What do you do now?
I have just launched the website for my footwear brand and I am really excited about it!
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received, and what advice would you pass on to students or recent graduates?
‘’Create exactly the shoes you would like to wear- no matter how weird they are’’ and ‘’Please do not waste your time doing unpaid internships unless it is for your future dream job’’
What achievement so far are you most proud of?
Receiving an award for ‘Creativity and Technical Skills’ (for New Designers) in Greece at Athens Fashion Week 2011.
What drives you to keep pursuing your dreams?
I want to learn more and more about everything- I focus on fashion and handmade techniques because this feeling makes me more passionate. I love freedom and I believe that the world should get rid of stereotypes and ‘default’ behaviours, and this is good motivation to make things happen (or just try!)
What are your goals for the future?
After working for four years as a footwear designer, I have now taken the leap and set up my own brand. It is London based and the production is in Greece and London – it will be a brand full of colourful, unusual handmade products!
What do you like most about being part of the alumni community?
The feeling you get when you receive and email from someone who has seen your profile and through that, wants to work with you to make something new and creative!
What made you want to set up the alumni group in Greece? And what do you hope to achieve from it?
Due to the financial crisis I strongly believe that we should invest our time in purposes that are useful not only for themselves but for society too. A UAL alumni group in Greece will help alumni stay in touch with each other, as well as helping them with their careers and personal goals. At the same time, we would be lending a hand to our country, which still faces many financial and social issues.
If you want to be a part of the alumni group in Greece, get in touch with Valentini today!