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 current first year student Freya Radnedge to find out more about her experiences applying to the course and what her first year has been like.
My name is Freya and I'm 19. I came to London College of Fashion to study BA (Hons) Fashion Contour last year straight from A-levels. I studied English Literature, Geography and Textiles as my 3 A-levels, however, I knew from the beginning that textiles/fashion was my only real interest.
BA (Hons) Fashion Contour wasn’t the course I initially applied for, however after applying for Fashion Design and Development and having received an interview, I was offered this course instead. During the Open Day, I felt very inspired by what my course leader, Nicola, had to say, and I knew this course was a much better choice for me. Being such a prestigious university, there was no way I could turn down such an opportunity, and I’m very glad I took it.
Our last project involved researching a lingerie brand of our choice, and in turn, producing a sketchbook of lingerie designs along the theme of ‘environment’ to fit the aesthetic of the brand we had researched. As a final outcome, we then had to select our 6 best outfits to form a final collection.
I really love to use my ideas to create my own designs, so it was an enjoyable project for me. Alongside that project, we also had sessions in the sewing rooms where we made two bras, a camisole, and a French knicker. Throughout A-levels, practical work such as sewing, was always my strength, and I would say those workshop sessions are the days I look forward to most.
I think more than anything, the people around me inspire me the most. My Nan taught me to sew growing up, and until she passed away last year, she was my biggest inspiration as she was always at a sewing machine making something new. Now, I look to my friends and classmates for inspiration; lots of my friends have Instagram accounts where they post their work which inspires me, as well as just social media design accounts in general.
My sewing skills have improved, and I’ve been able to make a French knicker and camisole set for myself in my own time. I have also learnt how to use CAD, which I have practiced/experimented with in my own time to create my own personal designs. I also think generally my confidence has improved; I have more confidence in my abilities, as well as in myself as a person.
I haven’t got any set plans for the next few years, however I intend on undertaking the DiPS year between year 2 and 3. Professionally, I’d love to work for a brand, either designing, or both designing and making the garments themselves. As I mentioned, I really enjoy the actual garment construction part of my course, so I’d love to have a job which allows me to do that.
I attended a talk before Christmas with an ex-student who now works at Bluebella, and I found that insightful, and also inspiring as it excited me for the future.