Rebecca Franks

BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Merchandising 2021

My opinion on fashion has completely changed through my four years as a Fashion Buying and Merchandising student at MMU. Having worked in shops and at fashion events before coming on the course I had a glimpse into areas of the fashion industry, but what I didn’t understand was the stages of the complicated and fascinating process that goes in to making everything. I am graduating this year with an understanding of the environmental and social impacts and with greater knowledge of the people who are behind the process. 

My time at University has given me the skills to produce work that I am very proud of. My final major project titled, “How can Universal Design Features be incorporated into mainstream fashion to make it more accessible to wheelchair users?” has given me an understanding the wider impacts that fashion has. It has given me an understanding of how the fashion industry truly can change people’s lives through not providing adequate, safe clothing for people with disabilities. This project has given me a genuine passion, a chance to speak with incredible women about their experiences with fashion, as well as an opportunity to work with inspiring members of staff who have challenged me to be more critical.

Furthermore, while on furlough last summer I started making and selling masks to raise money for Women's Aid with old or recycled fabrics. Raising over £2500 for such an important charity during a difficult time is something I am very proud of.