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Meet BA (Hons) Fashion Contour student Isidora

BA Hons Fashion Contour Student Isidora Bonvallet Recart
  • Written byJimena Rascon Azanedo
  • Published date 28 March 2024
BA Hons Fashion Contour Student Isidora Bonvallet Recart

BA (Hons) Fashion Contour embraces technology, innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial skills while preparing students for a career in design and production of lingerie, intimate apparel, underwear, swimwear and structured bodywear.

The course encourages future thinking and ways of responding to challenges around environmental, cultural, and social ways of working using various creative attributes.

We recently caught up second year student, Isidora Bonvallet Recart, to hear about her experience of applying to the course and the advice she'd give to future students.

Hi Isidora! Can you tell us about yourself and why you chose to study BA (Hons) Fashion Contour?

My name is Isidora and I am an international student from Chile. I am in my second year of BA (Hons) Fashion Contour. I have always been very interested in arts and fashion and as I was growing up I realised I was especially interested in couture pieces and garments that felt sensual.

While I was in my foundation year, my teacher pointed out that I had a tendency to design very delicate, high-end pieces and that most of them would accentuate the body, making them a bit provocative – I thought this was an interesting observation.

I received an alternative offer from LCF explaining I was a good fit for BA (Hons) Fashion Contour. I knew I wanted to design complex pieces that would allow me to be very creative, but I was not aware of this course and had not thought of how focusing on lingerie would help me achieve my dream career. I am so glad I was offered this course!

Can you tell us about a project you have really enjoyed working on?

I am currently designing a luxury capsule collection for Coco de Mer. This has been very exciting as this is what I would love to do once I graduate. It feels very realistic as well; LCF doesn’t only focus on creativity, but we're also taught how to work in the fashion industry.

We are preparing a collection with its respective portfolio and sketchbook, whilst also researching marketing, costing, and properly investigating the brand as part of our submission.

We are still in the early stages but I already have a clear vision and I am deeply enjoying the process of research, experimentation, and design. I am also planning a photoshoot of the garment; another thing I am looking forward to!

What advice would you give to someone thinking of applying to BA (Hons) Fashion Contour?

I genuinely think that BA (Hons) Fashion Contour has proven to be a hidden gem and the best course if you want to pursue a career in lingerie and high-end fashion/couture.

If these are areas you are interested in, you should definitely join BA (Hons) Fashion Contour as we have the best transferrable skills for these specific areas of fashion design.

The construction of our garments is stricter, as in lingerie our materials and fabrics are very delicate (same with couture garments). I've learnt to be very mindful of measurements, as millimeters make a big difference in lingerie.

As fewer people possess the skills to design and construct lingerie, I feel that as a BA (Hons) Fashion Contour graduate I will stand out to employers with plenty of possible career opportunities at my disposal.

Also – our tutors, technicians, and classmates are amazing, it is a lovely community and as an international student, it feels like home far from home.

What inspires you?

I have always been very curious and everything I absorb tends to be reflected in what I make (which is why I love the process of research and experimentation).

I am much more inclined to take inspiration from culture rather than nature. This is why I think it is an amazing opportunity to develop as artists and human beings in such a vibrant, cosmopolitan city like London.

I am constantly exposing myself to art, people, and many different experiences. I strongly believe that creatives must absorb as much as possible to create and transform what already exists.

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

I have learnt so many technical skills, industry insights and developed my knowledge in fashion and culture. This has been reflected in how I approach opportunities, my understanding of fashion careers, and so many other aspects.

I came to university with basic technical skills and now I am able to make corsets, bras, and many other garments. Our tutors and technicians are very patient and make us feel welcome when asking questions.

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

In the next few years, I would like to intern and start a few jobs in a different country. After my second year, I aim to start an internship with luxury lingerie brand Coco de Mer. I would love to work somewhere where I am given creative freedom!

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

My interactions with the fashion industry have been very diverse since the beginning of the course. I have collaborated with a lot of students from other year groups by modelling and assisting stylists in different photoshoots, and soon I will have my own photoshoot and I will collaborate with other LCF students.

I have worked backstage and front of house three times during London Fashion Week and attended the British Fashion Awards and Vogue World London in 2023. I am also continuously attending as many fashion events as possible.

During the course, we have collaborated with M&S and now Coco de Mer and we have been able to meet their representatives (owners, CEOs, designers…).

I have also entered some fashion competitions – I recently applied to the latest Fashion Values Challenge and I'm waiting for the results.

Overall, I think this course and LCF have allowed me to grow and take so many exciting opportunities that will enhance my career opportunities in the long run.