Let me take you through a day in the life of a London College of Fashion student, celebrating the big move to East Bank. My name is Sakina Sule Ali and I’m a second year student studying BA (Hons) Fashion Journalism and Content Creation. I am also a course representative and part of LCF Newsroom - a content creation team, led by students, for LCF’s social media and blog page.
The day began with a visit from the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who greeted us with warm smiles and admiration for the new building. Group photos were taken by Tallow Bridge with UAL staff as well as friendly faces from our new neighbours such as V&A, Sadler’s Wells, BBC Music, Foundation for Future London and London Legacy Development Corporation. Thankfully, the clouds held back the rain as we made our way into one of the exhibition places where we found detailed 3D models of the architectural plan for the new building. I personally found it incredible to see a clear example of why the world needs creativity, since this magnitude of a building began with a simple design which now houses some of the most creative students in London. These thoughts were shared among those in the exhibition space including the Mayors of Newham and Hackney.
Those members of our new community were not the only ones interested in finding out about the new kids in town; ITV also stopped by to cover this historic move. I had the pleasure of representing the LCF student body and sharing what LCF means to me for the ITV regional news which aired on 2 November at 6pm. It was a great opportunity to put our name on the map on a wider scale outside of the creative sector of media. I was also able to pick up a few tips on broadcasting as an aspiring journalist, such as constructing a background that is coherent with the content and rephrasing questions to allow the interviewee another chance to better express themselves. It was an invaluable experience.
Once the morning affairs were complete, the official opening event began. The evening included welcome speeches, performances and pure joy. It was an honour to share the stage for a speech with alumna, visiting practitioner and designer, Salima Sule Ali, who is also my sister.
Our speeches were introduced by James Purnell, President and Vice Chancellor of UAL, with Salima taking the microphone first. She spoke endearingly of her journey from being a student from the LCF Insights programme and studying BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology: Womenswear to working across UAL, while building her occasion wear label Salima.Ali, which she wore proudly during the night. As a current student, I spoke of my achievements so far whilst looking towards the future which has been illuminated for me by the strong LCF community.
As we thanked all who were present and dropped our microphones, the music was lifted, inviting all attendees to celebrate. An overwhelming sense of elation was ever present as lecturers and neighbours alike let their hair down to enjoy good food and music from multiple floors. I really felt the sense of community as I found myself doing the ‘Candy’ dance with guests in what would normally be the canteen. It was truly a night to be remembered as performances fostered the excitement, while photographers captured the moment.
In a world where artistic talent can be overlooked, it is important to create space for creativity to be celebrated. Students can also look forward to their own opening event where we can have a moment to reflect on and celebrate the first time all disciplines share one roof under East Bank.
Written by Sakina Sule Ali - BA (Hons) Fashion Journalism and Content Creation student.