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Meet MA Fashion Design Management Student Xiang

MA Fashion Design Management student Xiang Shi
  • Written byJimena Rascon Azanedo
  • Published date 18 January 2023
MA Fashion Design Management student Xiang Shi
MA Fashion Design Management student Xiang Shi

MA Fashion Design Management is a rigorous specialist design management course that equips the next generation of creative managers for a dynamic career in fashion design and innovation management. Want to know what life on the course might look like? We caught up with current student, Xiang Shi.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and why you chose the MA Fashion Design Management course?

My name is Xiang and I graduated from BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Development in 2022. My undergraduate course provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the fashion design process and equipped with the industry skillset.

As I would like to start my label in the future, studying a postgraduate programme at LCF’s Fashion Business School was the logical next step in my career. I wanted to develop a range of essential practical design management skills alongside a critical understanding of the global impact on fashion design, and MA Fashion Design Management was the most suitable course for me.

Professionally, I see myself as an entrepreneur who is dedicated to creating a positive impact on the fashion industry and I aspire to become a leader in the industry, creating job opportunities for young professionals and driving positive change in the fashion world!

— Xiang Shi
Can you tell us about the Dentsu and Save our Wardrobe project you have worked on in the Design and Innovation Strategy unit?

The live project we're doing with industry clients is exciting and challenging because it's giving me the chance to work on actual problems that real businesses are facing. It's also helping me develop skills that I know I'll be able to use in my future career.

What's really awesome about Dentsu is their focus on the Metaverse. It's got me thinking outside the box and coming up with all kinds of creative and innovative ideas that are not limited by traditional approaches or methodologies.

I really enjoy the industry guest speakers too, which have broadened my vision and kept me up-to-date with all the latest challenges and tech innovations in the fashion industry. All in all, I'm loving this whole experience and can't wait to see where it takes me!

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of applying to MA Fashion Design Management?

If you're thinking of applying to an MA Fashion Design Management program, my advice is to get yourself some industry experience or internships before it. It will give you a deep understanding of what's going on in the real fashion world. You'll learn about the trends, challenges, and opportunities that the industry faces on a daily basis. This kind of knowledge is invaluable when it comes to studying and applying the course content in your studies. So the course content will be more useful and helpful for you.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you should figure out your interests and focus on a specific area of fashion design management during your studies. The MA program is only one year long, so you want to make the most of it.

What inspires you?

My inspiration comes from the potential for creativity, innovation, and positive change in the fashion industry. I'm particularly drawn to the idea of using creative and innovative business strategies to make the fashion industry more sustainable, while still remaining commercially viable.

What skills have you learned whilst studying MA Fashion Design Management that you have been able to practice outside of London College of Fashion?

MA Fashion Design Management has been such an incredible experience! I've learned so many valuable skills that I've been able to apply outside of London College of Fashion. One of the most important skills I've developed is critical thinking. By analyisng fashion trends and assessing market opportunities, I've learned how to make informed decisions and come up with creative solutions to complex problems.

Collaboration and teamwork have also been key skills that I've been able to practice beyond LCF. During my studies, I got to work with classmates from all sorts of backgrounds, which has given me a better understanding of how to work effectively with others. This will be so useful in my future career where I collaborate with designers, marketers, and other pros to create successful projects.

And networking! That's been another essential skill I've developed during my time at LCF. By going to industry events and connecting with alumni and other fashion pros, I've built up such valuable relationships that can help me to get ahead in my future career. I feel like I've gained so much from this course, and I'm excited to keep using these skills as I move forward in the fashion industry!

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

My plan for the next few years is to start working in the fashion industry to gain more experience and knowledge in the field. I believe that the more experience I have, the better equipped I will be to start my own sustainable and profitable fashion brand in the future. I also plan to keep up-to-date with emerging trends and technologies, as I believe this will be crucial to staying ahead in the industry.

Professionally, I see myself as an entrepreneur who is dedicated to creating a positive impact on the fashion industry and I aspire to become a leader in the industry, creating job opportunities for young professionals and driving positive change in the fashion world!