Identity and confidence as a recent graduate: Ramneek Kang on how placement experiences helped her navigate the industry

Breaking into the fashion world, recent BA Fashion Pattern Cutting graduate, Ramneek Kang, takes us on a journey unpicking her experiences in the industry to date and how they have helped grow her confidence – in herself and her creative work.

Her graduate collection “No, where are you really from?” demonstrated how this growing belief in her creativity helped her explore the value of personal identity in fashion. Looking specifically at the second-generation South Asian identity, her project investigated the importance of family and community through the creation of her own textiles, using dart manipulation, colours, patterns and different high-level finishings as inspiration. Ramneek shares insights into the world of a placement student, working within sample rooms and design studios of a large-scale sportswear brand and a small luxury womenswear brand.

Can you tell us about your journey so far, especially since graduating this year?

My journey into fashion started in secondary school, I went to a very academic school and my favourite subject was textiles. Throughout my education, I continued to study textiles and explore my passion for creativity and the arts further. This led me to apply for the BA Fashion Pattern Cutting after I finished A-levels, I did a 4-year course with a placement year. Since graduating this year, I have taken a long summer break but now I’m freelancing with a start-up brand that launched in January 2023. This opportunity came about due to my placement at a small luxury womenswear brand Brogger.

What projects are you currently working on?

I am currently freelancing with an emerging designer, building on my skills and exploring possible roles that may suit me, I feel like this will make me more flexible and allow me to explore other roles that could interest me, not just in pattern cutting. This position lets me learn from other professionals in the industry, picking up on new tips and methods that I see applied in the studio. It has opened my eyes to how much I still have to learn. During my spare time, I am working on a few pattern-cutting projects to strengthen and build on the techniques I have learnt.

How did the idea for your final major project come about?

Throughout my time at LCF, I have tried to research and look into my cultural heritage and identity, since I felt detached from it because I didn’t understand or appreciate it fully. So, I would explore specific areas of interest through cultural historical study essays. When it was time to pick a topic to explore for my final major project, I felt like something that explored my identity and culture would be engaging to me, allowing me to dig deeper into designs and draw out more ideas. It would also allow me to continue to explore and learn but with more creativity which essays can lack. At the end of second year we had to propose ideas for our final year portfolio, although my idea was rooted in the idea of identity and culture, it was not a fully developed idea. During my placement year, as I got to talk to others and learn more about the design process I gained a clearer concept.

I absolutely love the nature of your work exploring identity from the perspective of second-generation Indians in Britain. How do you feel individuals with dual identities can impact fashion and culture for students in this position today?

I feel as though this dual identity can have a big impact on students but it’s not always the case for everyone. Personally, I found that the impact came around from generational differences, since South Asian parents aren’t always the most open to new ideas and fashion is constantly pushing to new heights. Certain topics that fashion can deal with and focus on are topics that would be minimised or ignored by older generations since they challenge the norm. With the way everything is changing, I feel as though people with a dual identity always have to balance the expectations of their parents or community, whilst trying to push their ideas and potential to do something that really speaks to themselves and other people in the fashion industry.

However, things are changing in a positive way, through social media we can see a celebration of culture, identity and differences. People are embracing traditional clothing and traditions more publicly. It is also helping individuals to open up discussions with their families around topics that they have avoided. I feel like this can impact fashion and culture for students since they can express their perspectives and duality through their craft. Creating items that can help others understand and learn other identities and experiences.

Your work highlights the difficulties people can face when finding balance in navigating dual identity norms - what are some of the challenges are there facing young designers dealing with these changing expectations?

I think each person has a different experience of finding their balance, depending on the environment they are raised in. The main difficulties stem from breaking out of what you have been raised with to find your own identity and build your own perceptions based on cultural heritage and your environment, be it from peers or social media. The topic of mental health or sexuality are places where these differences between generations can be found. Now people are more open about discussions around mental health and sexuality, however in some South Asian families and communities it is still hidden due to fear of rejection and internalised shame. Social media is allowing people to connect with others who have similar experiences, creating communities that can encourage and support one another.

How did your placements with Brogger and Adidas help inform the development of your work?

My placements helped me gain more confidence in myself and my work since I had many doubts about whether I’d chosen the right path to follow. However, being out in the industry and experiencing what work could be like, I found myself enjoying it and learning a lot.

With Brogger I managed to build upon my technical skills and look into the workings of a smaller luxury fashion brand, whereas Adidas was on the other end of the scale. Being a big brand at which I developed my digital skills, learning how fashion is changing and moving forward to be more environmentally conscious. Since bigger brands rely more on technology and digital processes, which encouraged me to explore digital patterns and fashion creation. At Adidas, I experienced individual growth notably due to the fact that I moved to a different country gaining more independence.

Do you have any particular highlights or key moments that you will take away with you from your placement experience?

Seeing work that I had pattern cut and toiled being worn in photoshoots and online was a key moment, because I’d never seen my work displayed commercially like that before. Especially with one of the last pieces I made at Brogger, as I was allowed to do a fair amount of the pattern cutting and toiling with the guidance of my line manager. Seeing the pieces that I had input in, in stores or online is the best feeling.

Managing to become part of a team, even if the duration of my internships weren’t very long, they were highlights for my internships. Since, the individuals I worked with readily embraced me and aided me in any way I needed. To help me to progress and flourish within my role and as a person. I also managed to connect with great people who have helped guide me and give me advice with final year and job searching, which is beneficial. Since navigating the industry can be hard but having people who have insight into the way it works is helpful.

How did LCF support you with your career ambitions?

LCF was particularly helpful with helping me during placement year. Guiding me and supporting me with my journey to get to Adidas since there were a lot of hurdles due to Covid-19, especially since it meant moving to a different country and applying for a visa. LCF staff helped to the best of their ability and even when it felt like I might not be able to go because of Covid-19 both LCF and Adidas continued to support me in order to ensure that I would be able to complete the internship. The resources available online, helped me prepare for my interviews, along with the Graduate Futures team helping with all and any questions I had.

Do you have any top tips for students graduating LCF this year?

Have a support system, final year can be filled with a lot of stress and anxiety, so you need a good support system to lean on. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and use everything that the college can offer, the resources and staff are there to help you achieve your best. Sometimes criticism can be hard to hear, but at the end of the day, it helps improve your work and push you to do more. Remember that you will always be learning and growing, when working you will constantly be learning new things that will help make you better.

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