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Charlie Deakin

Profession
BA Fashion Design: Knitwear student
College
Central Saint Martins
Person Type
Student
Charlie Deakin

Biography

Charlie Deakin is a second year student on BA (Hons) Fashion Design: Knitwear, at Central Saint Martins.

Interview

Why did you choose to study BA (Hons) Fashion Design: Knitwear at Central Saint Martins?

I completed the Foundation Diploma in Arts and Design at CSM to better understand my practice and to develop my skills independently from tutors. After reflecting on my work, all my projects had a textiles focus, but moving this to the body or fine art context was always a challenge of mine. To develop and challenge my practice, and give it a defined context I thought that the fashion knitwear course was the right course for me. It would allow me to develop my conceptual work and challenging my technical textiles abilities, whilst forcing me to place these within a context.

What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on so far?

Fashion Knitwear, Print and Menswear recently completed a group project which was probably the most interesting project I’ve done. Having a client facing project combined with group work made me work in an altered way to my normal project work style. It was interesting to consider different perspective on design and taste.

Have you completed any work placements whilst being on the course?

I’ve done various backstage dressing and running for London fashion week – e.g Matty Bovan and Yuhan Wang.

What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?

It is going to be challenging but I don’t think that you apply or come to CSM without wanting this challenge. You are going to be expected to knit on the course - you don’t need to already be a knit expert, as you will have time to develop this on the course - but don’t come onto the course thinking that it isn’t a key element of the course.

What has been the highlight of your Central Saint Martins experience?

A highlight for me is the fashion shows that we put on - in first year we had a runway for our jersey project and I have never felt a buzz like it!

What are your career aspirations?

I personally don’t like to have defined aspirations or expectations because I like to be open to any and all possibilities. However, I want to still be knitting, still loving what I’m doing and being paid for this.

What is the most important thing you learnt on the course?

To respect yourself, you time and talent and to not be taken advantage of.

Links

View more of Charlie's on Instagram

Find out more about BA (Hons) Fashion Design: Knitwear

Central Saint Martins

Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 7444

Address

1 Granary Square
King's Cross
London
N1C 4AA