Jade Gellard

Profession

Garment Technologist

College

London College of Fashion

Person Type

alumni

Biography

Jade is a BA (Hons) Fashion Contour alumna, now working for Playful Promises. Here she talks about her time at LCF and what its like working in the lingerie industry.

Interview

Could you introduce yourself and tell us what you’re up to now?

I'm a fashion contour graduate, who is working as a Garment Technologist for Playful Promises.

You studied Fashion Contour. How did the course prepare you for industry?

The industry is extremely tight on deadlines and critical paths and there was a lot of time-planning involved from design to final product. A lot like industry! The course is design-heavy, but also very orientated to the other roles in industry, such as the technical side, which is what I prefer. The course team are keen to make sure you know what pathway you want to take, to help you achieve the most from the course.

What does a typical day look like for you Playful Promises?

Playful promises are suppliers that stock lingerie to popular high street stores, as well as their own lingerie brand that sells extremely well. A typical day for me is a lot of measuring samples, sending them to customers' buying teams so they can be fitted, working on fit comments from customers, so China can translate them. A lot of time is spent emailing the China office to ensure the critical paths and deadlines will be met, as the customers always want the product to drop at a very specific time.

What advice would you give to people who want to get into roles like yours?

Ask technical questions! If you don't ask why everything works and fits together and how the bra is supporting, you won't have as much knowledge when entering the industry. Knowledge is power and your garments will fit better! The contour team love to expand and answer any questions, especially if it will help you in industry.

You have helped current students as part of the Alumni Ambassador Programme. Why did you get involved?

It's nice to see where the next lot of graduates will go and what their inspiration is, and to make contacts. The more people you know, the more likely you'll be to have a job in fashion!

You have already achieved so much in such a short amount of time. What’s next?

Working initially at Agent Provocateur, and moving into a more technical heavy role in a smaller company, has meant a lot more responsibility, which I love. The work is challenging and I hope to continue to further myself in technical roles, with the aim of being lead technical/ senior technical in the next 7-10 years.

Links

Read Jade's Class of 2016 interview on LCF News

Jade Gellard

Biography

Interview

Links

London College of Fashion

Contact

Address