Navinder Nangla

The Course

I chose to study Fashion Design and Technology at Manchester Fashion Institute because I wanted to develop my creative and technical skills. The course allows me to make creative garments and at the same time have the right balance of technology involved, so that they could be worn on a regular basis. Before making my final decision, I attended the open day and found that the facilities here at Manchester fashion institute were second-to-none. There are so many outstanding technologies, which cater to my creativity. These can be used in innovative ways in your designs and help you to be one-step ahead of the game in comparison to students from other institutions because of the forward thinking technology that you’re open to.

The tutors always trust your vision and will always help to keep you moving forward in all aspects from designing and pattern cutting all the way to the construction of your garment. It’s a good feeling seeing your sketches come alive, using the pattern and construction methods taught within our course. Adrian, who is the leader of the Menswear Technology unit, has helped me to gain the skills to achieve this. The knowledge I have gained, has given me the freedom to be more creative with my patterns and the confidence to be able to construct them.

As I am an artist, I have enjoyed the use of sublimation print a lot, as I have been able to get my prints onto garments; it’s been great to merge both of my interests. Another piece of technology that I have enjoyed using on my course is Gerber, which is digital pattern developing software, as it has made my pattern making more precise and quicker to edit if needs be.

Favourite Project

The project I have enjoyed so far is the one that I am currently working on – the couture brief. For this brief, we went to Manchester Art Gallery and looked at archive garments from brands like John Galliano, Comme Des Garcons, Yohji Yamamoto, which I was really excited about because I’ve followed these fashion brands for many years. We then had to take inspiration from one of the garments and create our own. I like this project a lot because I wanted to do something I usually wouldn’t have done.  Even though I am on the Menswear pathway, this course allowed me to select this Womenswear brief. With this opportunity, I can learn new couture finishes and new skills and techniques.

Another project I enjoyed was where we made a zine. I really enjoyed doing this, because in the future, I want to have my own brand and this isn’t just about making garments. You also have to be creative in other departments, including promotion, through zines, look books and fashion films, which are key to selling your garments.

Student Support

The staff have been very helpful; they are always supportive and help in any situation. Especially some of the technicians with pattern expertise, who have helped me with issues during independent study time. My design tutor in year one helped to me push me as a designer as he always got on my back and told me never stop working as you’re never ahead in fashion. This switched something in my brain and to this day this has stuck with me. The program support tutor is so caring with the students, her mother instincts kick in and she is always willing to help – even if it runs into her lunchtime.

Study Trips

In year one we went to Paris, we went to see the factory set up of Lacoste, which was really good and pretty mind-blowing as I didn’t know how long the production line was and how garments were made on a mass produced scale.  In Paris, we also went to Premier Vision, which is renowned for being the biggest business event for fashion designers looking to source the top grade fabrics and trimmings from leading worldwide companies. I am really interested in Japanese fabrics. When in Premier vision, I found the fabric company, which one of my favourite brands Needles uses to source their fabric. Therefore, I took a business card from this company so in the future when I start my own brand I can source the same quality fabric easily.

The Future

I’m looking for a placement at the minute, for my sandwich year. I’m hoping to get one abroad preferably in Paris, the home of fashion. I would like to work for a fashion brand as a designer or pattern cutter after I have graduated, as I would like to know more about what it takes to run a company successfully.

In the future, I would like to run my own brand. I have started to make bespoke products for friends, family and through social media contacts. Along with the course, this is helping me come closer towards my ultimate goal.

Top tips for students

The advice I would pass on is to experiment with everything and don’t be scared to try-out all the technology, even if you think it’s not for you, as you could use it to your own innovative way to have an outcome you will be happy with. You don’t know what the outcome could be if you don’t try – so it’s very important to have a wide spectrum. Don’t worry what other people’s outcome are just focus on you, as this will help you create your style and be unique from others, which will let you stand out in this industry. Take advantage of all the tutors and technicians that you have access to, as they have amazing industry experience.