Millie studied Art & Design with us, with a focus on Fashion and Textiles. She then went on to study at the Royal School of Needlework and was head hunted straight out of university by Alexander McQueen!
What I enjoyed most about Kendal College was being able to try so many different skills, such as embroidery, pottery, painting, woodwork, etc. This really helped me explore many different creative outlets and enabled me to find my passion.
What did you study at Kendal College, and what have you been up to since?
I chose Kendal College because of its outstanding Art and Design course. I always knew I wanted to work in fashion, and Kendal College helped me focus my goals on a more specific career path. My most memorable moment was when I first picked up a needle and had an ‘embroidery’ lesson with my tutor, Amy. Since then, I have studied at the Royal School of Needlework, gaining a 1:1 Bachelor’s degree in Hand Embroidery for Fashion, textile art, and interiors.
Thanks to my wonderful education, I then went on to be head-hunted straight out of university by Alexander McQueen. I then spent two and a half years as an embroidery designer for all main and pre-collections. I worked on the product from start to finish…working on concept and research, digital and physical sampling/ design, colour ups and finalising pieces at all shows, and dressing models before runways. While working at Alexander McQueen, I also won one of the Hand & Lock prizes for embroidery with my graduate collection. I then got the opportunity to join Hugo Boss in Germany. I now work as a Collection Manager & coordinator of Hugo Womenswear. I work on products from beginning to end and am primarily responsible for product outcomes, from sampling and prototyping to SMS and BULK production.
What did you enjoy most about studying at Kendal College?
What I enjoyed most about Kendal College was being able to try so many different skills, such as embroidery, pottery, painting, woodwork, etc. This really helped me explore many different creative outlets and enabled me to find my passion.
What advice would you give potential students deciding their futures right now?
A career tip I would give is not to let yourself get streamlined into one career path. Always allow yourself to change direction rather than thinking you have to stick to one specialism. A wide range of experience and skills is invaluable in the fashion industry. I advise anyone starting the Art and Design course to ALWAYS think outside the box. I would also advise to make research a first priority. Another thing I have learnt is that it’s not all about skill. Half the battle is presentation and how you SELL your work and yourself. For example… if you were trying to sell a Chanel jacket but you had it crumpled on a hanger in the back of a store, un-steamed and uncared for… it’s unlikely to sell. Now imagine you have a cheap second-hand jacket, but you’ve styled it beautifully and ironed it to perfection. This jacket will be the one everyone wants.
I hope my story can inspire future Kendal College students to pursue fashion as a career!
