It was in Sally's final year of study at Northumbria during a live competition project that she won the Topshop award as part of British Fashion Council’s Graduate Design Programme – an initiative to support local talent. After graduating Sally moved to London to take up her 12 month role at Topshop and quickly started to make a name for herself on the London fashion scene with MTV’s digital arm District MTV naming her ‘one to watch’ in their 2013 Yearbook.
I absolutely loved my time at Northumbria, it was such a hands on experience which I don’t think I would have got at any other university.
We recently caught up with Sally to look back on her time at university and see how she feels Northumbria helped prepare her for a career within the fashion industry.
Northumbria in 3 words – GO!
Fun, Satisfying, Rewarding
Why fashion?
I remember having a love for clothes and a habit of cutting materials up, so fashion seemed like the right thing to do. I studied a BTEC in Fashion at Cleveland College of Art & Design in Middlesbrough, and progressed on to Northumbria’s BA Fashion Course. I worked hard and enjoyed what I was doing and knew I’d made the right choice.
What are you doing now?
I’m currently working as a Design Assistant at Topshop in London working alongside the knitwears, trousers, and jackets design departments.
How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?
Northumbria has excellent facilities such as the industry standard sewing room, the library, great technical support from industry trained staff, and a placement year to experience life in the industry.
What was the best thing about your course?
The placement year, as it is a massive help when deciding what type of designer you are and how you see yourself working in the industry after education. I also loved how self-directed and hands on the course is (especially the final year), which was great because you get out of it what you put in to it.
What skill/knowledge did you learn that you most use now in your career?
Time management! Studying Fashion at Northumbria is such a busy and hands on experience that you learn quickly how to manage your time and push yourself to succeed and meet deadlines.
What advice would you give someone who is thinking of studying the Fashion course at Northumbria?
Do it! You will have an absolute scream.
