London College of Fashion believes that fashion and design education should be open to all. To help ensure we support and encourage as many students as possible from diverse backgrounds our Widening Participation Unit (WP) works to assist students in applying and successfully progressing through our courses. CAPS (Compact Agreement for Progression Scheme) is a scheme that the Widening Participation unit runs which works with partner schools and colleges to offer students introductory courses, portfolio advice, guidance from LCF tutors, summer school opportunities and a guaranteed interview to their selected course.
To celebrate the far reaching work the Widening Participation team do LCF News will be speaking to some of the fantastic CAPS students to find out about how they found their course, their future plans and the support they received from CAPS.
Here LCF News talks to Filipino designer Jay Biscarra, who is graduating from BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Development next week.
LCF News: What course did you study?
Jay Biscarra: BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Development
LCF News: Tell us about your time on the course?
JB: FDD (Fashion Design and Development) was not my first choice when applying through CAPS. BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology: Womenswear was actually my first choice but since I didn’t get a place, I had FDD as my back up. The course itself is really fantastic and it requires a lot of hard work, self-study and late nights (it’s not always the case, but sometimes!). The only difference between this and the other courses (such as Womenswear and Menswear) is that it’s more product based rather than just design. You get to explore your target market and consumer which informs your design aesthetic.
The best thing about the course is the placement year. I always wanted to take a year out to prepare myself and explore new techniques and skills for the final year. I worked for Richard Nicoll as a Sample Cutter/Sample Room Assistant. From there, I have fully developed my pattern cutting and sewing skills. As well as communication through team building and organisation. Working at Richard Nicoll has shown me a real insight into working in the real industry, which motivated me to work really hard in the final year. I was chosen to be part of the BA Press Show ’15 – this was a great opportunity to promote my brand.
LCF News: How did they help you?
JB: They helped me a lot with writing and sometimes with my design work and portfolio. It was their support and guidance that helped me through. Having CAPS alongside study support is a big benefit. I would like to thank Chloe Scrivener for being so patient when I had essays and reports to discuss.
LCF News: What are your future plans?
JB: I have a lot of plans actually, but a bit unsure where to begin! I know that I definitely want my own label in five years time. Having said that, I would probably work under a fashion house (preferably in Paris). There’s definitely a lot more things that I need to explore, learn and develop before starting a brand.
LCF News: Please give us a tip for future CAPS students
JB: Work hard! Never stop developing and do not be afraid to make mistakes!
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