Up next on LCFMA16 Graduate Spotlight is MA Fashion Retail Management student Césanne van der Vaart. LCF News caught up with her to talk about why she chose LCF, her favourite thing about London and what she enjoyed most about her degree.
What did you study before MA Fashion Retail Management?
Before I started my MA Fashion Retail Management degree, I studied Fashion & Management at the Amsterdam Fashion Institute.
Why did you choose LCF?
I chose to study at LCF for many reasons – first of all, LCF is one of the best fashion schools in the world. Secondly, the MA offered a lot of key industry speakers, who are currently working in the fashion industry. I was also very attracted to London as a destination. It’s an incredible city, especially when it comes to fashion retail. London is very innovative and interesting!
What was your favourite thing about studying in London?
My time in London was unforgettable. There’s so much to do and always something new happening. I spent weekends at food markets, museums and visiting the different areas in London. When it comes to fashion retail, the city is very dynamic and fast-paced, which makes it interesting to visit shops and department stores. It allows you to observe and engage with the changes within fashion retail.
Can you tell us a little bit about your final project and dissertation…
My final project investigated the effects of online visual merchandising on Dutch men in the premium fashion market. I did a practice-based project, which involved the design of an online e-commerce platform representing Dutch emerging designers.
What did you enjoy most about your course, and what did you find most challenging?
I really enjoyed the guest speakers – speakers from Net-a-Porter, Matches Fashion and Debenhams all offered relevant and interesting information because of their own experiences in the industry. The guest speakers know exactly what is happening in the industry at this moment, so if you’re a student, try to use this information. It’s really useful and interesting! The most challenging thing about my course was probably managing academic life, next to work and my new social network in London.
What would be your top three tips for prospective students?
Generally I would say, try to make to most of your time at London College of Fashion and London itself.
- Engage with other students and the guest speakers as much as you can – enjoy London and make new friends!
- London is the heart of fashion retail, your time in this city is very valuable. As LCF is located on Oxford Street, make sure you visit department stores once in a while, to see what is happening and how things are changing.
- Try and get to grips with all the topics and literature that is offered to you – it can be helpful in improving your academic writing style while doing your dissertation.
What is your now that you have finished your MA?
I’m going back to Amsterdam and hope to start my career as a fashion buyer or merchandiser. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do – my time at LCF and in London has confirmed this. I hope to come back to London one day, but we’ll see what the future brings.
- Find out more about MA Fashion Retail Management
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