Get to know BA (Hons) Critical Practice in Fashion Media student, Olivia

I’m Olivia Rodney, currently in my third year of study on BA (Hons) Critical Practice in Fashion Media. Coming from a background in fashion and textiles, and media studies in college, I’m someone very interested in looking at fashion as culture and being able to make commentary on discourse and events happening in fashion in a creative way.

Finding this course, I had hoped that it would allow me to learn and explore different practices without restricting the potential for critical thinking and commentary, and it does just that! This course encourages innovation and forward-thinking.

Can you tell us about a project you have worked on or are working on, and what aspects you enjoyed the most?

For my final project, I’m looking at reshaping contemporary understanding and discourses around self-help and support for young creatives, and how it should be accessed moving forward. Capturing collective hardship in the format of a zine, I’d be creating a cultural artefact situated in community work.

I’d definitely say I enjoy the extent of how authentic we can be to our own interests and the things important to us. In every unit, you really get to see an array of amazing ideas and concepts among your peers. I’m always interested in how different people respond to the same brief in ways that represent themselves most authentically.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of studying BA (Hons) Critical Practice in Fashion Media?

I’d advise you to be open to learning from any and all directions. It may be difficult to figure out what your particular practice or pathway could be, but being open to exploring and experimenting with techniques and areas of study can be so helpful in this process.

What inspires you?

Following on from my previous answer, I honestly can find inspiration in any and everything! From media to nature, there is always room for something to be spoken on or to be explored further. It may not produce the best ideas initially, but by looking down unusual avenues, you have gained knowledge that can be used at any other point to bring depth into future work.

What skills have you learned on BA (Hons) Critical Practice in Fashion Media that you have been able to practice outside of London College of Fashion?

The ability to think and create critically is one of my most valued skills learned on this course. I feel better prepped entering the workforce after graduation seeing the world as complex as it is.

As someone who has also struggled with social anxiety growing up, critical thinking has taught me that what I have to say is useful and important, and that good things can come of it.

What are your plans for the next few years, and where do you want to see yourself professionally?

Alongside my studies, I have been working as a stylist assistant - I’d love to have started up a career of my own in styling or a similar avenue, while still incorporating what I have learned in this line of study over the next few years!

Have you had interactions with fashion industry links, if so, how?

Over the length of the course, we have heard from so many guest speakers, which has really helped to show how broad our options after education can be. Opportunities to speak with and learn from industry links are almost endless!

The alumni we were able to meet were most memorable for me - seeing what students on this course went on to do is very inspiring, and being able to network with them makes entering the workforce a lot less daunting.