Fashion is my main inspiration – it’s where my heart and creativity lie
What is your job?
I'm an Events Co-ordinator in Fashion PR.
What does your job involve?
It’s a real variety - I organise events, work on Public Relations and as a Stylist / Personal Shopper and give lectures on Fashion Marketing. It’s all connected to fashion.
How did you get to this point in your career?
After doing my degree, I moved to London and got some work experience as a buyer at Monsoon / Accessorize through some people I knew. While I was there, a job came up as a PR Assistant. I applied and, miraculously, got the job. After eight months, I saw a job at Diesel for a Marketing Assistant, so went there.
I went freelance a year ago, and my job is now a mix of organising events, PR, styling and lecturing for the University of East London and Northampton University.
What training did you do and where?
I did A levels, then took a Foundation in Art & Design at The Arts Institute at Bournemouth. I chose Bournemouth because of its reputation and because I wanted to be by the sea. I did a degree in Photography, also at Bournemouth
While I was studying for my degree, I got a job at a clothes store, and the lady who ran it asked me to get involved with buying and styling. I realised that that was what I wanted to do, so I shifted my attention towards fashion. I don’t miss photography!
Which piece of work are you most proud of?
A high-end fashion PR agency asked me to help them organise an event for 600 people during London Fashion Week a couple of seasons ago. It involved 12 designers, an exhibition space and a party. It was a big achievement to make it all work, because it was a massive event.
What do you need to succeed in your industry?
Most of all, you need the will to succeed. Every summer, London is flooded with new graduates who want to work in fashion. So you have to be absolutely determined to move forward and make your mark.
Who’s your work hero / heroine?
The former Marketing Manager at Diesel is a bit of a hero, because he put a lot of faith in me and encouraged me to push myself further.
What inspired you to do this type of work?
Fashion is my main inspiration – it’s where my heart and creativity lie.
What do your parents think of the work you do?
I co-ordinated an event for my parents’ design studio to help them celebrate 21 years of being in business. After I’d done that, they saw my skills in action and were really proud of me.
What are your tips for anyone wanting to do your job?
Get as much work experience as you possibly can. That approach has worked for me and for a lot of my friends. But you have to be prepared to work your way up from the bottom. You have to prove yourself when you’re on work experience before a company will give you more responsibility. Also, network and make connections. Even if you’re in the pub, network with friends of friends, people you might get introduced to.
Creative inspirations
Maurizio Gucci
He’s been an eternal inspiration in my working and personal life.
Vogue
When I’m short of inspiration, I turn to Vogue.
Fashion Week catwalk shows
All the Fashion Week catwalk shows give me a sense of new and exciting inspiration. We are lucky to have them twice a year.
My cousin’s band
My cousin is in a band called Stagecoach, and their music was played on Skins (E4) the other week. The music he makes is brilliant, but it’s really his drive and dedication that inspire me.
The Saatchi Gallery
It always shows you something different to take away with you.
The Devil wears Prada
My manager at Diesel told me to go and see this film when it first came out. He said I’d find it very familiar. It inspired me to fight on.
My sister and my boyfriend
My sister owns her own photography business and my boyfriend has had his photographs published in Modern Painters magazine and the Guardian Guide. Their talent and passion are an ongoing inspiration for me.
Shopping
If I’m stuck for ideas, I shop. But you have to hope that those ideas start rushing in pretty quickly so you can start making money to pay back the huge amount you spent while inspiring yourself!
Renzo Rosso
I met Renzo Rosso, the creator and sole owner of Diesel about 18 months ago. I have a lot of admiration for him as he built Diesel from nothing, and his jeans are now a worldwide phenomenon.
The Clothes Show
As a teenager, I used to watch The Clothes Show and I knew then that some day, when I was older, I would somehow be part of the fashion industry.
If you would like advice on creative careers and courses, contact a Creative Way Careers Adviser - either Matt Ball on m.ball@uel.ac.uk / 07889 001764 or Sarah Comerford on s.comerford@uel.ac.uk / 07515 051509.