I study FCP not Fashion Design!

When someone asks you what do you study at university, I normally sigh just because whenever I say 'Fashion Communication and Promotion' everyone hears Fashion and nothing else. They quickly jump to the conclusion that I am learning how to make garments and the normal remark from my extended family is "I can't wait to wear your designs in a few years!" Which is rather flattering but that is not what I am studying. 

I am studying the way fashion is communicated and promoted in the industry. For a while I decided not to say FCP but to say Fashion Marketing as that was easier than having to correct people on what FCP was. 

After talking to my course mates I did feel rather relieved that I was not the only one that struggled to get across what course they were studying. 

So if you come across a FCP student - 

1. No they are not making clothes

2. Yes, there is more to our reading than reading 'Vogue' (yet it is still on our reading list)

3. Yes, we do learn some invaluable skills like Photoshop and Indesign

4. No, we don't do exams but we are assessed the whole way through our course through coursework

So lets hope over the Christmas break I will not have to explain that I'm not learning how to make garments but I'm learning how to communicate and promote that garment someone else has made. 

Soraya x

How is the Ugg Boot a trend again?

Whilst walking around Nottingham recently I've noticed a lot of people wearing Ugg Boots. This became very apparent when I was doing a street style task and I was looking for knee high boots, Ankle Boots and shoes that have a detail on them. Knee High Boots were not a hard to find but I ankle boots and detailed shoes were a struggle because everyone was wearing Uggs. I understand that they are comfortable and warm when it's cold but Uggs are flimsy and in my opinion, just not very fashionable!

As we are currently studying trend analysis, I can regretfully say ... the Ugg boot has become a footwear trend for Autumn/Winter 2015. I bet the trend forecasters didn't predict that!

Paul Smith: Gentleman Designer

I was aware of the great a quirky designer Paul Smith for a number of years. And I went to the Paul Smith exhibition in London last year.  

My pictures from the Paul Smith exhibition 

Signature Paul Smith Mini Cooper 

 But after watching a documentary about him during film club, I was amazed how he found inspiration for his collections. 

Going to University in Nottingham I am now in the home town of Paul Smith! The flagship shop in beautiful from the outside. With a garden and black iron gates to great you. The shop itself looks like a beautiful town house. An ideal building for a flagship Paul Smith shop. 

During the documentary, Paul Smith explained that you need a more lateral way of thinking. I found it inspirational that he did not find inspiration from fashion but from other print books from 1800 and 1850. 

My favourite quote