Student fashions career opportunity through new BBC show

A GCU student has landed her own TV show thanks to her passion for sustainable fashion.

Kate Lamb is currently studying on the BA (Hons) International Fashion Branding programme and has recently launched a brand-new TV show, Deise-L, on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer.

We caught up with Kate to hear all about it:

How did you initially become interested in fashion?

Kate: “I feel like my interest in fashion started when I was really young. I’ve always loved clothes, but it wasn’t until I left school that I realised I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to focus on next. I considered studying physics, but after a year out, it just clicked that I wanted to do fashion.

“I went to Glasgow Kelvin College and completed an HND there in fashion business. I loved it and it gave me the confidence to progress to university. I ended up joining GCU as a third-year direct entry student.”

How did this opportunity to have your own TV show came about?

Kate: “I actually grew up in North Uist before moving to Edinburgh when I was 8 years old. My family all speak Gaelic and it was my first language. I then went through Gaelic Medium Education in Edinburgh.

“Fast forward to university and I got to do exchange during my third year in France. I posted fashion TikToks in Gaelic, like What’s in My Bag and Get Ready With Me. I wanted to keep using my Gaelic and not lose touch with my personal background.

“Someone then saw my videos and pitched this programme to me. That was in May or June last year, and they basically asked if I would be up for doing it – which I absolutely was!”

Tell me more about the show and the idea behind it?

Kate: “The name of the show basically comes from the Gaelic word deiseil, which basically means to get ready. The show basically involves me working with one person per episode and styling them in second-hand clothes for a specific event with a budget of £50. I also work with Orla on the show, who helps me upcycle some of the designs. She was previously on the Great British Sewing Bee and speaks Gaelic as well.

“I’ve always been interested in sustainable fashion and second-hand shopping. It’s something I’m really passionate about, so this definitely felt like the perfect fit for me. I think it’s also BBC ALBA’s first fashion show as well, so that’s pretty special.”

Was presenting ever something you saw yourself doing?

Kate: “When I was growing up my mum did a lot of presenting on BBC ALBA, so I’d had a bit of exposure to that side of things. It definitely got me thinking about doing something like that, but I didn’t necessarily think the opportunity would come. I enjoy presenting but it did take a bit of getting used to. Thankfully the first episode we filmed was actually with one of my friends, Etta May, so that definitely helped.”

Have you got any particular highlights from being on the show?

Kate: “I would say just having that opportunity to meet new people. It’s a really nice feeling to actually help people also branch out of their normal style – I like giving individuals more confidence to try out different things.

“I really like the challenge of working with them to source something that they genuinely like wearing. My time at university and college has really opened my eyes to how important sustainable fashion is within our profession, so I'm glad I get to pass that knowledge to other people through the show.”

You can watch Deise-L on BBC iPlayer

Find out more about GCU’s International Fashion Branding programme here

By Ross Clark

Currently studying at GCU and achieved something related to your course or in your personal life? Email me at Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk