Fashion students meet industry at New Designers showcase

Twenty graduating students from the Printed Textiles and Woven Textiles pathways showcased their work at the industry-focused event, which took place in June at the Business Design Centre in London.

Cecilia Langemar, Programme Leader for Fashion and Textile Design, says: "Participation in New Designers opens up some fantastic opportunities for students to meet industry representatives with a view to employment, freelance work or internships. It also gives students valuable experience of presenting themselves and their work in a professional context."

As well as taking advantage of ad-hoc discussions with visiting industry representatives, students met with recruiting design companies at meetings pre-arranged by the programme. "Once again this year, New York-based textile designer Rachel Rowberry reviewed some of our students' portfolios, which could lead to jobs," says Cecilia. "We also had visits from several of our alumni, who now work for leading design companies, who also interviewed our students for potential roles later in the year. One student has just been offered a full-time position as a textile designer with Osborne & Little, which is excellent news."

The exhibition also resulted in press coverage for one of the School's textile design students, whose work was photographed for the London Evening Standard.

Involvement in New Designers is one of many ways in which Winchester School of Art helps students to enhance their employability and achieve their career goals. "We help students to prepare before the exhibition, with interview training and guidance on putting together professional CVs and press packs, so that they can take full advantage of the opportunities that present themselves," adds Cecilia.