BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Development student Danielle Nichol’s image from the BA Annual
In the build up to our BA Runway show we are profiling some of our design students as part of the Class of 2014. BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Development student Danielle Nichol‘s collection will feature in this Thursday’s show.
LCF: What have you enjoyed most about studying at LCF?
Danielle Nichol: I have enjoyed learning and developing my skills. On my course, Fashion design and development, I learned the technicality of 2D pattern cutting and being able to realise that into a 3D garment. I have also enjoyed working with live industry briefs and gaining opportunities I wouldn’t have anywhere else.
LCF: Have you undertaken work experience?
DN: I took a placement year and was fortunate to gain lots of experience in the industry. I worked at Christopher Kane in production and was able to travel to Paris and Italy as part of the team. I also took part in the UAL Erasmus exchange and went to study at a university in Milan for 6 months. This was an incredible experience and I also learnt a new language which is always valuable.
LCF: What inspires you?
DN: Inspiration always comes from shape and form. I look at how shapes of garments, or fabric can change a silhouette entirely or can make a new shape compared to what it starts out as. I enjoy working on the stand and experimenting with different fabrics and the way they can be manipulated. I work more freely and organically and I believe I achieve a better outcome by doing so.
LCF: What is most important to you about fashion?
DN: The most important thing to me about fashion is that there are no rules. If clothes are made freely and without restriction, the consumer will believe it. I design my clothes with these values and they will always be important to me through my career.
LCF: How would you sum up your graduate collection?
DN: My graduate collection was based upon gender identity, I wanted to make garments suitable for all genders. Shape was important as the clothes had to fit the male and female form comfortably without being restricted at all. I used lots of seams and panels to build up shape and angles making garments structured and graphic. Each garment was developed and documented through experimentation and technical file.
LCF: What are your plans for the future? And how do you feel your course will help you?
DN: I would love to stay in London as this is the best place for opportunities in the career I would like to pursue. I would like to work for a high-end brand in a design team where I can continue to learn and keep doing what I’m passionate about. The course will help me as I’ve learned so much about the industry, and in technical terms, over the past 4 years my skills have developed immensely. I feel confident now about going to get a job in the industry.
LCF: What advice would you give someone wanting to study for a BA at LCF?
DN: Take every opportunity that comes up, competitions etc. Keep practising as it will all help, especially in your final year. Use every skill and develop it in every project you can. Take the placement year and get experience working in the industry. Also, keep every project you do exciting, don’t get bored of anything you’re doing.
- Read more about BA14
- The BA14 takeover on the LCF Channel
- Watch the season unfold: #LCFBA14
- Follow Danielle on Twitter
- BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Development
Photography credits
Photography, James Rees
Creative Direction, Rob Phillips
Beauty, Melissa Wong
Model, Danny Baldwin