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Starting with a Pre‑Degree: How Zoe progressed to a BA at London College of Fashion

Mixed‑media fashion collage showing a torso on a mannequin layered with translucent coloured shapes, fabric samples, pattern pieces, garment sketches, and construction diagrams on a neutral background.
  • Written byNatalie Ellis
  • Published date 19 May 2026
Mixed‑media fashion collage showing a torso on a mannequin layered with translucent coloured shapes, fabric samples, pattern pieces, garment sketches, and construction diagrams on a neutral background.

When Zoe arrived in London from Hong Kong to study the International Preparation for Fashion (IPF) Level 4 course, she expected to grow her creative skills. What she didn’t expect was to find such a clear sense of direction and a strong pull towards London College of Fashion (LCF) for her undergraduate degree.

Now studying BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology: Womenswear, Zoe is developing a design identity rooted in personal history, technical precision and experimental thinking. Her most recent project, The Stories in the Trace, explores overlooked objects from Hong Kong wet markets - a creative journey sparked by memory, community and childhood observation.

Below, Zoe shares why choosing LCF for her undergraduate study became an obvious next step. LCF felt like the natural continuation of what she started on IPF:

Sketchbook-style collage combining textured colour washes, handwritten notes, and photographs of urban street scenes, market stalls, and clothing details arranged across a white page.

What made you choose LCF as your next step after your pre-degree?

LCF aligns with my creative interests and future goals. On IPF, I was introduced to LCF’s balance of creativity and technical skill,  from experimenting with design methods to turning visual ideas into garments. The environment encourages experimentation while helping you build a personal design identity, which is exactly what I wanted.

How did your pre-degree prepare you for your first year at LCF?

The course team are extremely supportive. Workshops taught us how to build a strong portfolio and introduced creative methods for designing garments. We learned drawing techniques, presentation skills and how to communicate ideas confidently; all of which made the transition to BA smoother.

What skills from pre-degree do you still rely on?

Presenting my work clearly through sketchbooks, research and brainstorming techniques, drawing skills and Adobe software skills are all essential to my design process now.

What’s the atmosphere like on your course?

Friendly, supportive and diverse.

Zoe's work

  • Concept collage featuring experimental garments displayed on bodies, layered with cut-out illustrations, fabric textures, handwritten annotations, and dark contrasting backgrounds.

  • Two side-by-side photographs of a model wearing a blue-and-white striped dress with sculptural yellow and orange textile elements, styled with black ankle boots and a cap, lit by strong natural light against a pale interior wall.

  • Garment studies displayed on hangers, showing a white top with yellow panels and red ruched edging, and striped trousers layered with loose, multicoloured threads, photographed against a bright circular light.

How did you make friends or find “your people”?

Mainly through open access studio time, through sharing ideas and discussing work naturally connects you with others. I also made friends during a collaborative Year 1 project with textiles students.

What would you say to someone unsure about choosing LCF?

Trust yourself and trust your tutors. They guide you toward the pathway that suits you best. Many LCF graduates I know now work in really strong positions within the fashion industry.

Best thing about your course?

The supportive and diverse community, and learning innovative and sustainable ways of thinking.

London College of Fashion

Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 7400

Address

105 Carpenter's Road
London

E20 2AR