Sebastian Collinge

The Course
Studying BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising course gave me the opportunity to explore different avenues of business and allowed me to tailor my studies to my own needs and career aspirations.

I found the Supply Chain Management unit especially engaging and interesting, particularly in the first term. Anything business strategy or numerical and linked to real life business decisions was also a really good addition to the course. I also found anything creative or CAD based for example, the research project or tradeshow in second year, were also stand out units for me.

In my second year, I developed the idea and concept for a brand based on a project that asked us to come up with an innovative product to bring to market. This idea grew during my placement year and from here, I was able to open my own business called Attirecare.

In my final year, I had an amazing opportunity to present my business to key members of the British Fashion Council, including the editor of British Vogue Edward Enninful and the Council’s new ambassadorial president David Beckham, when they visited the Fashion Institute. I was also nominated for the New Business Award at Graduate Fashion Week 2018. I travelled to London to present my business on our stand to the judges, and won the award!

Industry Placement
I completed a twelve-month placement year, where I spent six months as a Merchandiser for football license and originals in the Adidas HQ in Herzogenaurach, Germany. I then went on for a further six months working as a Denim Wash Developer at Calvin Klein in Amsterdam, at their HQ.

Without a doubt, this year changed my life forever. I came back from my placement year with a completely different outlook on business, going into my final year with a real understanding of what I wanted to achieve and how hard I would have to work to achieve that goal.

Student Support
I had a good relationship with all of my tutors and was able to turn up at their offices unannounced without an appointment, which was always helpful. A big shout out to Jamal, Cathy, Vicki, Lisa and Susan who were all been there for me from the start!

After Graduation
I am keeping my options open for after graduation, I’m giving myself the summer to continue to work on my business Attirecare.

Top Tip
There is always a solution, everything is there to be challenged, questioned and moulded into the way that you want it, you just have to ask.