She said: “I love the idea of people wearing something that is fully designed by me from the concept to the key details on a garment.”
* Graduate Fashion Week, which ran from June 10-13, celebrated the work of more than 1,000 of the finest BA degree fashion students from 40 universities across the UK and overseas.
It is the ultimate event for anyone with an interest in the business of fashion. Sponsored by George at Asda, there were live photoshoots, a blogging bar, a ‘talent hub’ for recruiters, a series of one to one ‘audience withs’ and exhibitions of students’ work.
Claire shows how to get on ladder
Claire Robinson graduated from Birmingham City University with a first class honour’s degree in fashion retail management.
Her love of vintage clothing led her to set up her own business at a vintage auction house.
But she has been at Graduate Fashion Week having since landed her dream job.
Claire, 26 and from Moseley, said: “I have always had an open-minded ethic and believe you only know what you want to do when you’re doing it.
“Therefore there is no harm in exploring and even changing your mind a few times until you get it right.”
As the end of Claire’s third year loomed, she felt wasn’t quite ready to launch into the fashion industry so she organised a vintage fashion auction in Birmingham.
“I gained funding through the Prince’s Trust enterprise course and it was very exciting sourcing unique pieces from all over the country, and having bidders from across the globe!
“To work for yourself you need to enjoy your own company and I did begin to crave being part of a team and finally felt ready for the real world.”
Claire has now landed her ‘ideal career’ as an online stylist for French Connection.
She said: “I love being surrounded by clothes. Fashion is a sensory thing for me – texture and colour is as important as being hands on to me.
“My job involves styling all of the images which go on the website, including e-commerce, look books, press and animations.
“I get to meet lots of lovely people and my work is there for the whole world to see.
“Most importantly I’ve made my mum very proud!”
