Design process opens up world of opportunity for fashion student

A student has credited a university module with helping her conquer imposter syndrome after swapping architecture for a fashion degree at GCU.

GCU’s Fashion Design with Business programme received generous fabric donations from The Materialist and Oliver Spencer last year, giving second year students the chance to create their very own shirts as part of their Garment Realisation module.

One of those students involved was Millie Striker, who spoke to us about her journey to studying at GCU, and how her design experience has helped set up her future career.

Background

“I was originally doing architecture and really didn’t enjoy it. I stuck with it until December and realised I needed a change, but didn’t know what I wanted to do. I started working at a kilt shop in Bath Street and met one of my best friends who actually studied on the Fashion Design with Business course at GCU. She really encouraged me to go for it, and I just decided to apply.

“I’d been sewing since I was about 4-years-old and my gran was a seamstress, so it was definitely in the family. I was a bit worried about actually making clothes though because I’d only ever done things like putting a button back on, so I knew this would be a step up. I quickly realised though that GCU was definitely the place for me and I immediately felt really comfortable here.”

Creating a unisex design

“The brief was basically to make a shirt with buttons, a collar and cuffs. I’d never made anything like that before and only made a skirt. Shirts have so many different components to it and it’s technically a very difficult thing to make. I was quite nervous and worried about how it was going to go. I decided to keep it simple and make my shirt over-sized.

“Widening it was quite challenging – it’s definitely one of the most challenging things I’ve ever made. There were different fabrics we could use and I decided to just keep mine all navy to keep it versatile.

“I made my design unisex so both men and women can wear it. For my actual project and the photographs, my dad, my brother and my boyfriend all wore it. It definitely showed that anyone can wear it and I also chose the colour because it was a safe option. It definitely fits my dad best - so I’ll let him keep it.

“I was definitely overthinking the design at the start but felt more comfortable as the project went on. I carried out a lot of research on how retailers make shirts to find out what techniques are allowed. I then obviously got to practice with our initial shirt, which was definitely needed to get my ideas all correct in my head.”

The fabric

“I was massively grateful to have the fabric donated to us because it’s something that is actually really expensive. I chose a high-quality fabric, which I wouldn’t have picked if I was buying it myself because it’s very expensive. It was really nice to work with and having good materials definitely makes your life easier as a designer.

“We obviously had the deadstock fabric but all the buttons included on my shirt were all from my gran. I didn’t want to buy buttons separately because I knew I could put them to good use.”

The end result

“I definitely felt relieved when I got to see it all come together. You look at it for so long and overthink it. You definitely need to take a step back for a couple of days and then come back to it to really see it properly. You’re so harassed wanting it all to be perfect but taking that step back allows you to realise all the hard work you’ve put into it.”

Confidence

“I initially felt out of my league in this programme. There’s some similarities between fashion and architecture because one small mistake can throw everything off. All the people on my course at GCU had come straight from school which made me a bit worried that I would be really far behind them.

“I definitely have to thank the lecturers for making me feel comfortable because they really encourage you and also teach you the proper skills you need. I wouldn’t have done half the stuff or been as ambitious if my lecturers hadn’t told me I was capable – they play such a crucial role in our development as students.”

Future

“This project has helped shift my perspective around what area I want to work in. We made skirts back in first year and I felt maybe the creative side wasn’t for me and that I’d be more suited to the design side. This year has definitely changed my perspective, and I now realise that I would want to actually make clothes. That’s all down to this project and the fact that it’s shown me that I can actually be successful.”

Find out more about GCU’s BA (Hons) Fashion Design with Business programme