At LCF there are always opportunities for students to interact with former alumni who are doing great things in the industry. For the second season running, BA (Hons) Fashion Styling and Production students were invited to support womenswear alumni, Ryan LO backstage during LFW. The opportunity gave students an insight into the inner workings of a fashion show.
LCF News spoke to Fahad Bandial, one of the students involved, to find out what it was like being at the heart of LFW with Ryan LO and also had a chat with Styling and Production lecturer, Philip Scurrah about why opportunities like these are so great for students.
Models backstage at the Ryan LO SS17 LFW show. Photography by Lillie Eiger
What was it like being in the heart of fashion week at the Ryan LO show Fahad?
Fahad: Being a part of fashion week was an amazing opportunity and gave me an insight into the industry as well as the opportunity to network.
And what did you learn?
Fahad: That time management and being organised are vital for collaborative team work. In a fast paced industry, job roles must be strictly observed, while maintaining a friendly working environment.
Models backstage at the Ryan LO SS17 LFW show. Photography by Lillie Eiger
What do you think students can get from these opportunities Philip?
Philip: Students learn first-hand how to work as part of a team within a professional environment applying the skills they have learnt in class to real life situations. We teach styling in relation to diverse fashion productions and platforms and with students becoming further involved in London Fashion Week, this can only enhance their wider understanding of the fashion system.
And why do you think it is important to keep in contact with alumni? And for opportunities like this to be available to current students?
Philip: Our alumni make huge global contributions to current debates around fashion. Through our continuing communication with our graduates we hope to encourage a commitment to knowledge exchange and connections, enhancing our student learning experience and participation. Our strong links to industry through events at London Fashion Week give students the opportunity to experience the role of stylists and producers in an exciting environment, which has been hugely beneficial and very rewarding.
Models backstage at the Ryan LO SS17 LFW show. Photography by Lillie Eiger
What do you think Fahad? Why do you think it is important to work with alumni who are doing well in industry?
Fahad: Building relationships with alumni can help professional development, for aspiring individuals. And getting experience in the corporate sector is also very useful
What do you love about your course?
Fahad: Access to a wide range of resources helps execute ideas, with convenience. Freedom of expression is given the highest priority and although we are encouraged to work independently, there is guidance at every step of the way.
Models backstage at the Ryan LO SS17 LFW show. Photography by Lillie Eiger
How is LCF helping you to achieve your goals?
Fahad: Fashion respects identity and I strive to achieve my goals. LCF has equipped me with a variety of skills that my work benefits from.
Models backstage at the Ryan LO SS17 LFW show. Photography by Lillie Eiger
And from a lecturer’s perspective Philip, what advice would you give prospective students who might want to study styling and production?
Philip: Never be scared of failure. Push yourself into new creative territories and enjoy the process of discovering new things. Through your practical experimentation and research with clothes, fabrics and materials you will begin to develop innovative ideas of what fashion’s visual language can be and that’s what we hope to see in a portfolio.
- Find out more about BA (Hons) Fashion Styling and Production
- Find out more about BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Technology: Womenswear
- Follow Ryan LO on Instagram, Twtter and Facebook
- Check out Fahad’s Showtime page
- Find out about undergraduate courses at LCF
- Find out about postgraduate courses at LCF
- LCF Open Days and Events
- LCF Careers
- LCF alumni privileges