Oliver Roberts
Profession
BA Textile Design student
College
Central Saint Martins
Person Type
Student
Biography
Oliver is from Melton Mowbray and is in their fourth year of BA (Hons) Textile Design at Central Saint Martins, specialising in knitted textiles.
Interview
Why did you choose to study BA (Hons) Textile Design at Central Saint Martins (CSM)?
My original drive to study at CSM came from the excitement of moving to London and to be at an institution with an industry reputation. I chose Textile Design as I was interested specifically in working with and learning about fibres and fabrics as a base for fashion design. Knitwear was a natural focus for me as it satisfied both a technical and creative itch and it's so exciting to see how the coexistence of craft and technology is shaping future of textiles and fashion.
What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on so far?
Working with external companies and clients on live briefs will always be fascinating to see how diverse the real world of textile design is. Trend forecasting is an integral part of design that before working with WGSN at the end of second year, I overlooked. It was really insightful to see how WGSN approach researching and predicting trends by looking to current cultural, sociological and economic happenings and how these affect consumer behaviour and taste.
Have you completed any work placements / internships whilst being on the course?
I completed the Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS) in my 3rd year which is a self-lead opportunity to work out in industry. A highlight for me was extending my creative arsenal to leather work. I worked with a London based leather studio, The Backward Vendor. This experience operated a space for knowledge exchange, I learnt key leather hand craft and making skills by being involved in previous season’s production and shared and elevated current work, developing a leather yarn to work in with Tunisian Crochet, Macrame and Hand knitting.
What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?
You have to be open to learning. It sounds really obvious but craft takes time to learn and perfect. With all the access to equipment, studio space and technicians it would be crazy not to make the most of the time you have here to just learn new things.
What has been the highlight of your Central Saint Martins experience?
Outside of studying, I have also engaged with teaching over several UAL widening participation and social mobility programmes. Visiting local communities and engaging with their art programmes has been eye opening. The highlight is seeing new students in the studios that I have helped with portfolios and lead workshops for before they came to CSM. It’s so fab to keep see them evolve with me as young creatives.
What are your career aspirations?
It’s so hard, there are still so many jobs in and around the knit field that I don’t even know exist. I really enjoy working for myself so my own practice will always be a side passion, but right now I would love to make up a role such as a visiting knitwear consultant and educator where I can share handcraft skills that are having a tough time sustaining themselves through our fast pace and modernising world.
Links
Follow Oliver on Instagram