What could be better than studying Fashion
in one of the top Fashion Cities of the world? London is again seen
as the place where Fashion is at the cutting edge, where ideas start
and events happen. Well-established Fashion Designers are visiting
London for inspiration, and it can be seen at the Clubs and out
on the street as well as in the stores.
There are so many levels and quality of fashion to be seen, from
the Haute Couture boutiques in Knightsbridge to the market stalls
in Camden. For the prospective student of fashion it can be a daunting
task to choose the right course, as there are many fashion careers
to follow, from Fashion Designer to Fashion Management and everything
in between. If you cannot decide on a particular aspect of Fashion,
taking a Foundation Course will give you a taste of several options
- textile printing, embroidery, photography, illustration - and
may strengthen your ideas. The full-time Fashion programmes vary
in content and structure with the emphasis may be more on the creative,
aesthetic side of Designing or perhaps the more prosaic side of
fashion business.
College courses are often taught on a modular basis, allowing you
to change your options within certain guidelines as you progress
with your studies, and as long as you gain the required study points
you will obtain your Qualification in time. Entry requirements for
a full-time fashion course can vary, and you do not always have
to have studied the traditional Art subjects. However, a good standard
of general education is always required, and if you are not sure
how your exams compare with the UK equivalent, you can ask the National
Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) for advice. They
will be able to provide you with a statement showing the comparable
UK level.
If you are not sure if your level of English is adequate for the
course, you can test yourself by visiting a British Council Office
which runs the International Language Testing Scheme (IELTS). Many
colleges require the English test certificate to show that you have
at least reached the O.5 intermediate level of language and comprehension.
You can now test yourself if you have access to the Internet by
using: http://www.britcoun.org
The Internet is bringing another dimension to Fashion Studies.
Not only can you surf the Net for the latest Fashion Shows and fashion
related articles, you can also call up detailed business statistics
which can help with a project or essay and get general advice on
renewing your visa. The Internet is international and can be accessed
anywhere.
Studying in London will also give you, a broader experience of
life in the subject you are following, with its London’s rich
heritage of Museums and Art Galleries to provide you with many design
ideas, and ever changing Exhibitions and Fashion Shows to inspire
you. London is a cosmopolitan city, with its multitude of restaurants
catering to all showing just how diverse London is. I am often asked
if London is a dangerous city, and have to reply that it is no more
dangerous than any other large city. There are many tourists as
well as long stay students from all nationalities, and it will not
take long before you find a group to fit in with and have some fun.
The advantages of studying fashion in London are many. Looking
at fashion in a different context, by comparing the life and culture
that influences fashion design, is a valuable addition to your studies,
and by the time you have completed your course, you will be much
better equipped to deal with the international market that is Fashion.
Author: Jenny Shoben, London Centre for Fashion Studies,
UK
This article first appeared in TransWorld Education
