Pedro Vasconcelos studied MA Fashion Communication: Fashion Journalism at Central Saint Martins, graduating in 2024. Pedro is a Portuguese editor based in London and Paris, writing about fashion, culture and queerness.
Why did you choose to study MA Fashion Communication: Fashion Journalism at Central Saint Martins (CSM)?
CSM is a mecca to anyone who grew up loving fashion culture. But, besides the obvious, I was working in fashion in Portugal and was lucky enough to reach the top of a (very small) industry quite fast. I wanted to push past the ceiling the country represented for me. London was a logical next step: it’s a big pond, but it has a culture of encouraging growth. My BA was in Sociology, so I always had a voice in the back of my head begging me to go to fashion school. CSM was both the answer to what I craved as a kid and what made sense as for my career.
What have you been working on since graduating?
Since graduating, I have maintained my writer position at Vogue Portugal and have been lucky enough to be made Fashion Features Editor at Behind the Blinds. Despite having those two roles, I have still been able to write for several other publications, including Document Journal, SSAW, 1 Granary. I’ve also had the opportunity to diversify a bit of what I do: I’ve taught at IFM for one of their MA courses and started working with brands to develop their editorial and copy strategies.
What was the most interesting project you worked on during your time on the course?
100% the Shadowing Project. It presents you with an opportunity you will rarely have in the current fashion landscape. I was able to follow the journey of a designer closely, helping them understand their own work and diving into their creative vision. It’s a privilege you just don’t have in the outside world. Even the work you do with the people from your group, who share the mission to relay the designer’s message, is extremely gratifying. You build a sort of creative unison that is extremely meaningful.
What was the highlight of your Central Saint Martins experience?
Finding community. So much of the CSM experience happens outside of classrooms. Talk to everyone and anyone you can.
What is the most important thing you learnt on the course?
Whatever you want, just go for it. I used to think there was some kind of merit in holding back or letting myself be discovered, but there truly isn’t. DM people, send cold emails, reach out to anyone and everyone you know. Let go of the fear of being annoying, speak up and build bridges wherever you can.
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