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zoewb-blog · 5 years ago

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REFLECTION

WHAT I’VE LEANRT

FRENCH CONNECTION:

Throughout my time at French connection it has given me a full understanding of how a collection for a season is created, that being the whole process from start to finish. I know have knowledge of how much time and effort goes into each range, as of course, products are often developed and then dropped should the buyers not choose to sell them. Being introduced to the manner in which companies communicate amongst themselves, through the production and sewing team, as well as to the factories in different countries.

I have been taught how to create industry standard flats and CADS, how to develop my ideas in a coherent way via illustrator, how to measure and work out garment placement correctly, colour approvals to commercial standard. How to prepare for a show, and of course understanding to importance of working within ones team.

HAYLEY MENZIES:

Working for Hayley Menzies gave me a large insight into how a small, but quickly growing contemporary fashion brand runs. It introduced to the importance of the fast environment in which the fashion industry is. Opening my eyes to the fact of when an early business is quickly growing quickly it is essential to jump on every opportunity to widen the brands name.

Over the months I worked there I was introduced to new software, how a PR system works for a smaller company, the importance of social media, press and influencers. The effect these platforms can have on sales. I learnt how to cope with stress, pressure and how to learn quickly in such a fast paced environment.

COMPARISON:

Throughout both placements it has given me both confidence in my work as well as myself, it has given me far more knowledge of the fashion industry as a whole, across both the design and marketing team. In doing this of it taught me how to overcome hurdles that occur, which in turn has developed me as a person, meaning that I was able to get the most out of my internship.

Working in the industry has left me incredibly excited for what the future holds. I can’t wait to use my new skills in my work, as well as going forward in my career. I found working in both marketing and design was a greatly invaluable as I experienced two different sectors of the fashion industry, and the importance, but difference in both. Being able to reflect on both experiences allows me to progress on what I have leant and overcome.

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zoewb-blog · 5 years ago

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OVERVIEW AND JOB ROLE AT FRENCH CONNECTION

OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY, FRENCH CONNECTION

French connection is a design led British brand, creating ‘Distinctive products since its creation in 1972.’ French Connection has enthused a passion for design and continues to deliver timeless affordable quality. With the head office being based in Camden it meant there was a bounce of life in the surrounding the studio. French Connection prides itself of being a British fashion brand, however it has a large global following - from America to Europe to Asia. As a brand they are very well known for there long lasting, good quality basics.

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND MY WORK AT FRENCH CONNECTION

The role title was Menswear design intern. I was therefore reporting generally to the assistant designers. My role consisted of helping the designers complete day to days tasks. I spent the first week or so being introduced to the software they used to input all of the data to sent to the factories in Asia. I was shown the way in which they use illustrator for tech packs, design developments, CADS, prints etc. This meant that when I had to develop or amend files I was able to do so. I was introduced to placement positioning for the graphic illustrations. I was then able to arrange the placing for some of the designs, and present them to Head of Menswear, allowing him to decide which was the preferred choice.

Of course French Connection is a relatively large, well known company. That being said, the menswear design team was small, only 5 people, including myself. This did mean that I got to take part/ input my opinion into some of the larger decisions. It meant I was allowed to develop colour ways, placements, and fits to show to David, the Head. Once acquainted with colour approvals, this then became part of my role. I would formulate a word document consisting of any relevant chances that needed to be made. This would then be sent out to the factories, informing them of any corrections that should need to be made.

The design boards were constantly being changed. It was therefore my responsibility to ensure that the were up to date and relevant. This are the boards that would be shown to both the Creative Director, and CEO of French Connection, of course meaning the had to be well organised, concise, consistent and neat. I would daily distribute the post with the other interns from womenswear, and box up and send off any parcels, generally of sample to Asia. At my time at FC there were two shows. It was my job to monitor the incoming products, check they were made correctly, and report any faults to assistant designer.

I would complete research tasks set by the Head. Create mood boards that would then, if approved be shown to the creative director as future ideas and inspiration.

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zoewb-blog · 5 years ago

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OVERVIEW AND JOB ROLE AT HAYLEY MENZIES

OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY, HAYLEY MENZIES

Hayley Menzies is a contemporary womenswear brand based in Notting Hill, London. She is known for her expressive, bold and maximalist prints, her work is hugely inspired by vintage pieces she finds on portobello road, then uses these to develop both silhouette and pattern into new statement fashions. When I began my placement the company was small team of about 10 people. Thus being tight nit group, and an exciting environment in which to work in. Hayley believes in the importance of sustainable practice. Standing for high quality products which are made to endure. The craft and fabrics of her collections are of utmost importance Hayley, as she is a big lover of nature and the environment, has decided to remain sourcing all fabrics in Europe.

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND MY WORK AT HAYLEY MENZIES

In terms of my role I took over the PR and Marketing for the the team. I spent the first couple of weeks being trained, shown the manner in which I should email the press, how to take calls, how to arrange appointments. I was introduced to all of the software that Hayley Menzies had previously used to contact the press, and follow marketing analytics. I had a day of writing up some practice press releases, newsletters and was then to present these to Hayley, gaining relevant feedback. My work at Hayley Menzies going forward then consisted of contacting more press, arranging meetings for both Hayley and I to attend to with editors from magazines such like, Marie Claire, Women and Home, Hello fashion. An important part of this role was to build up a relationship with the editors and press, with the intention of familiarising themselves to the brand, to then gain features in magazines.

With the company being small it of course meant I had to learn quickly, hold responsibilities and maintain a professional tone throughout my work. Day to day the tasks I would complete would vary. It was essential I stayed on top of my emails as any press that contacted Hayley Menzies would be incoming to me, as a result I was responsible for attending to their questions and quires. Within my role I was also helping to run the Instagram, I had to keep an eye on tagged content, comments, of both influencers and press. I would then contact any relevant people, and request the images used ready for the following weeks social media.

At the end of every week I was left to have found new, fresh bloggers or influencer to then present to Hayley and discuss which we feel could collaborate best with the brand. I was to monitor sales after a person of influence had posted in HM clothing. From this I could then work out the ‘worth’ of the influencer, and whether it was worthwhile us gifting/ lending to them. At the end of each week I produced a PR report. This consisted of published editorials, pending editorials, press appointments, gifted bloggers, lent bloggers, sale fluctuation - why, and any other general tasks that had been completed.

I spent some time with the graphic designer, which meant together we could create the weekly newsletters ready to send to press. I was in charge of the deliveries received and keeping track of where the samples had been send out to, and then when needed to be recalled. I would often hand visit the influencers to drop of the pieces in person. Week on week I would have of course slightly different tasks on top of these, as being a small team meant I would help out different people at peak times.

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zoewb-blog · 5 years ago

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CAMDEN ART CENTRE

FACES SKETCH